What is creamy Cajun chicken pasta made of?

Creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful dish that combines seasoned chicken with pasta, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy sauce. The sauce usually includes cream cheese, heavy cream, or half-and-half mixed with Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Tomatoes or tomato sauce often add a slight tang, while the pasta used is typically penne or another short shape to hold the sauce well. This dish balances the heat from the Cajun seasoning with a rich creamy texture.

How can I make creamy Cajun chicken pasta less spicy?

To reduce the spice level, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it completely from the Cajun seasoning mix. You can also use milder paprika instead of smoked or hot paprika. Adding more cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce helps tone down the heat. Tasting the sauce during cooking allows you to control the spice level to fit your preference.

Can I prepare creamy Cajun chicken pasta ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, creamy Cajun chicken pasta can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the dish fresh and tasty.

What are good side dishes to serve with creamy Cajun chicken pasta?

Light sides work well to balance the richness of creamy Cajun chicken pasta. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or garlic bread are popular options. Roasted or grilled vegetables also complement the flavors without overpowering the dish. Avoid heavy or overly spicy sides that compete with the pasta.

Is it possible to make creamy Cajun chicken pasta dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream, cashew cream, or dairy-free cream cheese. Use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute to sauté the ingredients. Keep in mind that the sauce texture and flavor may vary slightly, but the dish remains creamy and flavorful with these swaps.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe In One Pot 2024

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: – 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; – 1 teaspoon oregano; – 1 teaspoon thyme; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; – 1/4 teaspoon salt; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1 tablespoon butter; – 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast; – 1 diced yellow onion; – 1/2 pound (about 225 grams) uncooked penne pasta; – 15 ounces (425 grams) fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices; – 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth; – 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese; – 3 sliced green onions for garnish

Description

🍗 Create a restaurant-quality creamy Cajun pasta in one pot that saves you time on cleanup while delivering bold, spicy flavors
🍝 Enjoy tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that brings the taste of Louisiana to your dinner table

Ingredients

– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon oregano

– 1 teaspoon thyme

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 tablespoon butter

– 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast

– 1 diced yellow onion

– 1/2 pound (about 225 grams) uncooked penne pasta

– 15 ounces (425 grams) fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices

– 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth

– 2 ounces (56 grams) cream cheese

– 3 sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1-First, mix the Cajun seasoning blend 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and coat the 1 pound of chicken cubes with it. Cook the chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until browned but not fully cooked. Then, sauté the diced yellow onion until soft to loosen those tasty browned bits.

2-Next, add the 1/2 pound of uncooked penne pasta, 15 ounces of fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together, cover, and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens into a sauce.

3-Finally, add 2 ounces of cream cheese in chunks and stir until it melts for that creamy texture. Finish with 3 sliced green onions and serve hot. The total preparation time is around 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, making it a quick option for busy days.

Notes

🔥 Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level to your preference
🍝 Use high-quality fire roasted tomatoes for the best flavor base in your sauce
🥘 Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken first as it builds deep flavor in the dish

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 483
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 847mg
Fat: 14.6g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 51.5g
Fiber: 3.5g
Protein: 34.9g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken, One Pot Pasta, Cajun Recipe, Chicken Pasta