Simple Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is an easy-to-make, one-pot meal that is loaded with flavor and has just the right amount of spice. Serve with steamed broccoli for an impressive, family-pleasing dinner.
8ouncespasta of your choiceI have used shells you can use your favorite pasta
8oz (can)tomato paste
1cuplow sodium chicken brothor water
1cupheavy cream
2Tablespoonsfreshly chopped parsley and basilfor garnish
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INSTRUCTIONS
Add chicken and 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large resealable bag. Add 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning. Seal the top and shake until chicken is evenly coated on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a pan and add chicken into the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the chicken gets cooked completely. Check with an Instant read thermometer and cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, take it off the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add butter and freshly minced cloves of garlic. Sauté until garlic turns fragrant.
Add the remaining 1½ Tablespoons of Cajun Seasoning and cook the spices for 1-2 minute over low heat.
Add uncooked pasta into the skillet and add the tomato paste. Pour chicken broth or water over uncooked pasta and cook for 5-minutes or until the pasta gets al-dente but not soggy.
Once pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken (thinly sliced or cut into chunks) garnish with freshly chopped parsley and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
NOTE: I have not added extra salt since cajun seasoning has enough salt in it. But, please taste before serving. If you find it lacks salt, you can adjust it accordingly.COOKING VARIATIONS:
Boneless skinless chicken thighs - Chicken thighs are so much juicier than chicken breasts. Skip chicken breasts and use chicken thighs instead.
Onions - I have skipped onions because I didn't really feel that this recipe would need onions. You can add finely chopped or diced white or yellow onions while sautéing garlic if you want.🧅
Parmesan Cheese - For that extra kick you can add some freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
Roma Tomatoes - You can also skip tomato paste and serve it with chopped Roma tomatoes instead.🍅
Cream Cheese - Make sure you use cream cheese that has been cut into small blocks. This will make it easier for you to combine.
Go Easy on Cayenne - If you are making this for kids, then my tip would be to chill out with cayenne🌶
Grated Gruyére Cheese - Grated Gruyére Cheese makes this Cajun Chicken Pasta sweet and cheesy🧀
Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest - to bring that zesty lemon-y fragrance you can grate some lemon zest or you can squeeze in some lemon juice while making this pasta🍋
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
The Simplest Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 530Calories from Fat 477
% Daily Value*
Fat 53g82%
Saturated Fat 29g181%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 18g
Cholesterol 143mg48%
Sodium 492mg21%
Potassium 688mg20%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 2446IU49%
Vitamin C 13mg16%
Calcium 72mg7%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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