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cajun chicken pasta in a skillet.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ajoke
This creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe is about to be on rotation at your house every week. Penne pasta and tender bites of cajun chicken tossed in a rich creamy cheese sauce. This is an irresistible dinner you and your family will love.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 616 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 300 g penne pasta
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons cajun seasoning
  • 120 g cream cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated off a block, about 30g
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup yellow onions finely chopped
  • ½ Tablespoon garlic chopped
  • cup chopped green onions
  • ½ cup milk
  • Pasta water about ½cup or as needed
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into similar cube sizes. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1 Tablespoon of cajun spices, stir to combine, and set aside.
  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to the packet instruction until al dente, drain, and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. While the pasta is cooking, move on to making the cajun creamy sauce.
  • Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add chicken pieces and cook the chicken, stirring frequently until white and no longer pink. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet to a plate and set aside.
  • Add butter, chopped onions, and garlic to the hot skillet and saute until soft for about 30-60 seconds. Add milk, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, cajun spice, and pasta water, to the sauteed aromatics and stir until combined and creamy.
    Check for salt and seasoning and adjust accordingly. Don't be heavy-handed on the salt, remember the pasta is already salted.
  • Cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes, add drained pasta and stir to combine. Add the cooked chicken along with its resting juice to the creamy pasta and toss to combine until warmed through.
    Finish it off with chopped green onions, stir to combine, and take it off the heat. Serve immediately with more grated parmesan cheese and chopped green onions.

Notes

How to store
Fridge: This pasta dish will keep fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing this dish as the cream may separate when thawed.
To reheat: you can reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, add a splash of water to aid reheating.
FAQs
How much salt to add to pasta water
This is depending on the type of salt you are using, However, if you are using table salt then use 1 tablespoon per 1 pound of pasta of any type. Use between 10-16 cups of water depending on how deep your pot is.
What if my sauce is too runny
If your sauce is too runny, stir in more cream cheese and this will help thicken the sauce.
Can I use any type of pasta
Yes, you can use any pasta for this recipe but penne is preferred since it holds sauces well.

Nutrition

Calories: 616kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 35gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 219mgPotassium: 643mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1856IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 3mg

Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.

Keyword cajun pasta, creamy cajun pasta recipe, creamy cajun sauce
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