If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and comfort, look no further than Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, creating a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers both satisfaction and delight in every bite.
Top Reasons to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning adds a wonderful kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Quick & Easy: With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and cooking time of about 30 minutes, you can have this meal on the table in no time.
- Comforting & Filling: The creamy sauce and hearty chicken make this pasta dish incredibly satisfying.
- One-Pot Wonder: Most of the cooking takes place in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces dry rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 green onions, chopped
Prep & Cook Tools
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta and mixing the sauce.
- Skillet: To cook the chicken and vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and combining ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping vegetables and chicken.
Cajun Chicken Pasta, Made Easy
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 ounces of dry rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and add the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese cubes, stirring until melted and smooth. Then, slowly pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing until well combined and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce mixture, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Adaptations for Special Diets
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
Flavor Logic
The magic of Cajun Chicken Pasta lies in its bold flavors. The Cajun seasoning, a blend of spices including paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, delivers that signature zest. The creaminess from the cream cheese and heavy cream balances the heat, creating a harmonious dish. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky undertone, while the fresh vegetables provide texture and flavor.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess. For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked pasta with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cajun Chicken Pasta Q&A
Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta without chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers or proteins like shrimp or sausage for a different twist on this dish.
What type of Cajun seasoning should I use?
You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning, or make your own blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme for a personalized touch.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Definitely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend.
Because You Liked This
Serve & Enjoy
Gather your loved ones around the table and serve this delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top. Pair it with a fresh salad or some warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to please. Enjoy every creamy, spicy, and comforting bite!
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the dry rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast to the skillet. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and kosher salt. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese cubes, stirring until melted and smooth. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce mixture, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Use gluten-free rotini for gluten sensitivities.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
