Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta

Note: I am not a food blogger, so when I share recipes, I am sharing simply because it’s something my family enjoys and it’s easy enough for me to make.

This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a great dupe for the version I’ve enjoyed at restaurants. Check out the recipe below, and be sure to pin or screenshot it for later!

recipe

ingredients

16 oz. penne pasta
2T butter
1T olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
2t minced garlic
2t Cajun seasoning
1t dried basil
1t paprika
1t ground black pepper
1t salt
1 1/2 lbs. chicken tenderloin, cut into small pieces
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth

*If you don’t have time (or the desire) to dice the onion or red bell pepper or to cut the chicken, use frozen, pre-cut options. You could also check your grocery store’s produce section for pre-diced vegetables and their hot foods/ready-made section for a rotisserie chicken or pre-cut, cooked chicken.
**For extra heat, add cayenne pepper in 1/4t increments to taste when you add the other seasonings.

directions

Boil water in large pot, and cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain then toss in a large drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.
While pasta is cooking, preheat large pan over medium-high heat. Add butter, olive oil, and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion becomes translucent.
Add diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, ground black pepper, and salt. Combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until bell pepper softens.
Add cut up chicken. Combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
Reduce to medium/medium-low heat. Add parmesan cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and cream cheese is melted (approx. 8-10 mins.).
Add cooked pasta. Combine and cook for another 2-3 mins.

Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta