Description
This Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast coated with flavorful Cajun seasoning, tossed in a rich tomato cream sauce with rigatoni pasta. With a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for satisfying weekday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 tbsp olive oil (to marinate the chicken, plus more for frying)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 thin pieces)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for marinating)
Pasta
- 7 oz rigatoni (or your choice of pasta)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (remaining)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Garnish (optional)
- Chili flakes
- Parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Massage the mixture thoroughly so that the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to penetrate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until it is about 1 minute shy of al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Build Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 2 minutes. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, stirring to combine. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning into the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta along with half of the cooked chicken pieces, sliced into bite-sized portions, into the sauce. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors and ensure the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, topping each serving with the remaining whole chicken pieces. Garnish with chili flakes and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy, creamy Cajun chicken pasta!
Notes
- This dish offers a great balance between spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors making it a family favorite.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk but note the sauce will be less rich.
- You can swap rigatoni for penne or fettuccine according to your pasta preference.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and chili flakes depending on your desired spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency and binding it to the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
