Description
A deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant Cajun spices, and a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 1 pound 450g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini recommended)
- 1.5 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes))
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste, divided)
- Salt (to taste, for pasta water and chicken)
- Black pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 mixed bell peppers (e.g., 1 red, 1 green, deseeded and chopped)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 8 ounces 226g full-fat cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (approximate, use as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Important: Reserve about 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat chicken cubes dry. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: To the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil if needed. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Make Creamy Cajun Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add cubed, softened cream cheese and whisk continuously until fully melted and smooth. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste) and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine & Serve: Add cooked pasta and cooked chicken (with any juices) to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything. Simmer for 1-2 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese, softened for best results.
Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving pasta water! It’s key for a silky sauce.
Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preference. Taste your blend before adding, as spice levels vary. For homemade seasoning, see blog post.
Variations:
Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp (cook quickly).
Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American