Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Tender chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, and veggies create a flavorful and lighter pasta dish in under 30 minutes.
# Ingredients:
01 -
450 g short-cut pasta
02 -
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
03 -
450 g chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
04 -
1 tablespoon plus 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
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Kosher salt, to taste
06 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
08 -
2 bell peppers, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
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Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
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240 ml low-sodium chicken broth
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240 ml milk
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56 g cream cheese, at room temperature
14 -
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
15 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 -
In the same pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, onion, chicken pieces, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the chicken is browned all over. Transfer chicken to a plate.
03 -
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pot. Stir in bell peppers and garlic, sautéing for 5 minutes until the peppers soften. Add 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in chicken broth and milk, then add cream cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
04 -
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Return the pasta and chicken to the pot and toss to combine. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
To blend your own Cajun seasoning, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, chili powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.