Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet is a rich, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It comes together in one skillet for an easy meal that feels hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and toss it with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer it to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, cook the onion and bell pepper until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked penne. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until tender and the sauce starts to thicken.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the diced tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce and best flavor.
Stir the pasta often while it cooks so it does not stick and the sauce stays even.
Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet, cajun chicken pasta, one skillet pasta, creamy chicken pasta