A Fast and Delicious Dinner: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Thighs are often more flavorful and less expensive.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk

Coconut milk is lower in calories, while milk is more budget-friendly.

Cook 8 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions in salted water.

Cut 1.5 pounds of chicken breast into one inch pieces and place in a large zippered bag.

Add 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to the chicken in the bag.

Shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, ensuring it is in an even layer to promote browning. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, then remove to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet and reduce the heat slightly.

Add 2 thinly sliced bell peppers (orange and red) and 1/2 diced yellow onion to the skillet, stirring to coat with butter.

Cook the vegetables until they begin to soften.

Add 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the vegetables, stirring briefly to combine.

Slowly drizzle in 1.5 cups of heavy cream and allow it to thicken for 1-2 minutes.

Stir in 1/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Return the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta, stirring to combine everything well.

Top with dried parsley or fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens