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Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with garlic and Cajun seasoning, simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce, then tossed with penne pasta and finished with parmesan and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with a spicy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 400g chicken breasts, chopped into large chunks
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
  • 2 tbsp Cajun-style seasoning
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes or passata
  • 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled
  • 150ml double cream
  • 20g parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to serve
  • ½ lemon, juiced

Pasta and Garnish

  • 500g penne or another tube-shaped pasta
  • chopped parsley, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow saucepan or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly, and fry for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is just golden all over but not necessarily cooked through.
  2. Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then sprinkle the Cajun-style seasoning over the chicken and stir well to evenly coat the pieces.
  3. Simmer with tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes or passata, a quarter of a can of water, and the crumbled chicken stock cube to the pan. Stir to mix, bring to a simmer, and cook gently for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
  4. Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne for one minute less than the package instructions indicate. Drain well when nearly done.
  5. Finish the sauce and combine: Stir the double cream into the chicken and tomato mixture and continue to simmer gently. Add the drained pasta into the pan with the sauce. Let it cook together over low heat for 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb flavors.
  6. Add finishing touches: Stir in the grated parmesan and lemon juice, cooking for a further 1 minute to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
  7. Serve: Serve the pasta straight from the pan or transfer to a large serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired for a fresh and cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder version.
  • For a richer sauce, add more double cream or a splash of white wine.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, one-pan pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/