Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Enjoy a spicy, and creamy Cajun chicken pasta packed with bold flavors and over 30g of protein per serving. A high-protein, high-calorie meal perfect for any night!
Servings: 4 bowls
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
Serving: 1 bowl (11 oz) | Calories: 745kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1.2g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 2290mg | Potassium: 646.5mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 2.6mg