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Smoky Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun chicken pasta loaded with bold spices, juicy chicken, parmesan sauce, and tender pasta for the ultimate restaurant-style comfort food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cajun Chicken
  • 2 large chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
Creamy Cajun Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Garnish
  • fresh parsley chopped
  • extra parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the bell peppers for 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  7. Garnish with parsley and parmesan cheese before serving warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly grated parmesan and reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.