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Want to spice up your dinner routine? This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is very filling, warm, spicy, and creamy, with over 30 grams of protein per serving.
This recipe combines everything I love. It has smoky heat from Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a velvety cream sauce, all mixed with delicious al dente pasta.
So, what makes this recipe special? It’s all about that Cajun spice. This recipe uses flavors that are going to awaken your taste buds.
The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and thyme adds so much depth and complexion to the dish that makes it amazing.
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Pin ItBut besides packing a punch of flavor, this meal is incredibly easy to make. Another great reason to make this recipe is that it has it all!
It has enough protein to help you feel fuller for longer, and it has carbs and fats to provide energy. It truly is a complete meal!
Ingredients and Substitutes
Penne pasta, dry (2 cups) – You can also use rigatoni, fettucini, or your favorite pasta. However, I recommend penne pasta since it soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (2) – Swap for shrimp if you want to elevate your meal, or use tofu for a plant-based option.
Olive oil (2 tbsp) – If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil.
Butter, unsalted (1 tbsp) – For a creamier option, you can use ghee.
Cajun seasoning, divided (2 tbsp) – You can use a homemade or storebought option. But, since this is the star of the dish, there is no other alternative.
Salt (1/2 tsp)
Black pepper (1/4 tsp)
Garlic, minced (3 cloves) – For those who don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic flakes or garlic powder.
Diced tomatoes (2/3 cup) – You can use fresh or canned.
Heavy cream (1 1/2 cup) – For a lighter option replace with light cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup) – You can use Asiago cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.
GARNISH
Parmesan, grated
Parsley, chopped
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1. Grab a large pot and bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add 1 tbsp of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package’s instructions.
Just make sure it’s al dente (meaning it’s a little bit firm on the inside when you bite into it).
Step 2. Drain the pasta, but make sure to leave ½ cup of the pasta water on the side.
Step 3. Use a meat tenderizer and beat the chicken breasts until they are almost ½ inch in thickness. Sprinkle one tbsp of Cajun seasoning on the chicken breasts, and make sure you cover both sides.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and place the chicken breasts to sear them on both sides.
Cook them for roughly 4 minutes on each side.
Step 5. Lower the heat and cook the chicken; it should take another 4 minutes to cook on each side.
Step 6. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board, Slice the chicken into thin strips and cover it with a plate to keep it warm.
Step 7. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add 1 tbsp of butter. Press the garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the diced tomatoes and sautée them for roughly 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and add another 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning and parmesan cheese.
Give it a good mix and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked penne paste and then the cooked chicken.
To avoid the sauce from being too dry, add ½ cup of pasta water. Give it a good mix and warm all the ingredients.
Add salt and pepper if you need it. Once it’s ready, garnish with grated parmesan and parsley.
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Pin ItHow To Modify This Recipe?
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Extra Veggies: Add some spinach or kale to boost the nutrient intake (and add flavor).
- Add Some Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add a nice little kick.
- Low-Carb Option: If you are looking for a low-carb option, replace the pasta with zucchini noodles.
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta
This meal can stand alone and make a big impression on your dinner guests. However, if you want to elevate your meal, here are some of the best sides to have:
- Green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Asparagus
Storage Tips
Place the leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
I do not recommend freezing this recipe since the cream sauce may separate and can affect the overall flavor and texture.
When you want to have this delicious meal again, heat it gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to make it creamy again. You can also use the microwave, but make sure you keep stirring it to make sure it’s evenly cooked.
Other High Protein Pasta Ideas
- Cottage Cheese Pasta
- Pizza Pasta Casserole
- Meatballs Pasta Casserole
- Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
18 Cals: 745 Protein: 34 Carbs: 42 Fat: 49
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta dry
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
Garnish
- Parmesan grated
- Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Bring water to boil in a large pot, add 1 tbsp of salt, and cook penne pasta according to instructions on the packaging until it’s al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set 1/2 cup of pasta water aside.
- Using a meat tenderizer, beat the chicken breasts until they are around 1/2 inch in thickness. Cover the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning on both sides, then salt and black pepper.
- Heat up a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add in olive oil and sear chicken on both sides. About 4 minutes on each side. Then, lower the heat and sauté until the chicken cooks through. It should be another 4 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, remove from the pan onto the cutting board. Slice into thin strips and cover with a plate to keep them warm.
- In the same skillet with any of the leftover fat in it, add 1 tbsp of butter. Then, press in garlic cloves and cook for 30s.
- Add the diced tomatoes and let it cook for another 2 minutes or so. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning and parmesan cheese. Give it a stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add in the cooked penne pasta, then the cooked chicken, and pour in the 1/2 cup of pasta water. Toss until combined and let the ingredients warm up. Add more salt and black pepper if needed.
- Garnish with grated parmesan and parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
