Ah, the joys of comfort food—there’s something about a plate of pasta that just feels like a cozy hug, isn’t there? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a whirlwind of flavors, like a Mardi Gras parade for your taste buds. Picture this:
tender chicken, just the right kick of Cajun spice, and a sauce that’s as rich as your grandma’s secret family stories. Perfect for a dinner that’s both down-home and a bit of an adventure, all in one bite.
Steps
- Combine the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into cubes, place in a bowl, and coat with the seasoning mix.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are browned but not cooked through.
- Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften, using its moisture to deglaze the skillet.
- Add uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to mix, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted into the sauce. Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Chicken Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 pound penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1930.6 kcal | Carbohydrates: 206.12 g | Protein: 139.8 g | Fat: 58.32 g | Sodium: 3388.92 mg | Fiber: 13.8 g
FAQ
- What is Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, a mix of savory and spicy seasonings, tomatoes, pasta, and cream cheese to create a rich and flavorful dish. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and provides a satisfying meal for the entire family.
- Can the spiciness of the Cajun Chicken Pasta be adjusted?
- Absolutely! You can easily control the heat level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. For a milder taste, reduce the cayenne by half or omit it altogether if you prefer no heat.
- Is it possible to make the pasta less creamy?
- Yes, you can make the pasta less creamy by substituting cream cheese with a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. Alternatively, you can skip the creamy ingredients altogether for a non-creamy version that still tastes delicious.
- What are some suggested additions to enhance the pasta dish?
- To elevate the dish, consider adding cooked bacon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra umami kick. Shrimp can also be a great addition, either alongside the chicken or as a substitute.
- What sides pair well with Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- While the pasta is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a classic Caesar salad or some homestyle cornbread to complement the creaminess and balance the spiciness.
Tips
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. You can even omit it entirely for a milder dish, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal comfortably.
- Creaminess Options: If cream cheese isn’t your preference or you want a dairy-free option, consider using a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. Alternatively, you can enjoy the pasta without any cream for a less creamy version that still tastes delicious.
- Enhance with Extras: For added depth of flavor, try incorporating cooked bacon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you could add shrimp to the dish for a seafood twist.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Stir the pasta frequently while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer.
Equipment
- Deep Skillet – A 4-quart capacity deep skillet is mentioned, which is essential for cooking the entire meal in one pot.
- Glass Mixing Bowls – If you don’t have these at home, they are useful for mixing the Cajun seasoning and other ingredients.
- White Cutting Boards – Useful for safely cutting chicken and vegetables.
