One-Skillet Cajun Chicken Pasta

$- Chicken and seasoning details - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Vegetables needed - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Pasta and sauce components - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) In this recipe, I choose quality chicken and bold Cajun spices. The Cajun seasoning gives a kick to the dish. I love using fresh vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and garlic. They add flavor and color. For the pasta, I prefer penne, as it holds the sauce well. The diced tomatoes create a rich base for the sauce. Chicken broth adds depth. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. This mix of ingredients creates a hearty meal. Each bite bursts with flavor. You will enjoy this dish as much as I do! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, season the chicken. I use two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them into strips. In a bowl, toss the strips with two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Make sure each piece is well coated. This step adds a lot of flavor. Next, it's time to cook the chicken. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about five to seven minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, let’s cook the vegetables. In the same skillet, add one chopped medium onion and one sliced bell pepper. You can pick red or green for color. Sauté the onion and pepper for about three to four minutes until they soften. After that, add three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until you smell the garlic. Next, we will create the sauce. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes, undrained, and two cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine. Bring this mix to a simmer. This will help all the flavors blend well. Now, it's pasta time! Add eight ounces of penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about twelve to fifteen minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and soak up all the good flavors. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. We are almost done! Lower the heat and stir in one cup of heavy cream. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well and let it heat through for another two to three minutes. Finally, adjust salt and pepper to taste. When serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for color. If you like, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! Cooking times can change based on your stove and pan. Always check the chicken for doneness. It should reach 165°F. The pasta also needs your attention. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. If your pasta is firm, cook it a bit longer. Spice levels are key to Cajun dishes. If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it out. If you want less heat, use half the seasoning or add cream sooner. Pair this dish with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It helps soak up the creamy sauce. For a nice presentation, use a large bowl. Serve the pasta family-style. Scatter fresh parsley on top for color. Add grated Parmesan cheese at the table. This way, everyone can add as much as they like. Pro Tips Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Make sure to let the chicken marinate in the Cajun seasoning for at least 15 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor penetration. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or serve with a side of sour cream to balance the heat. Choosing the Right Pasta: Penne works well for this dish, but you can substitute with fusilli or farfalle for a different texture and presentation. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the cream. Don't skip it! {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free meal, you can swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Both options work well with Cajun seasoning. Just make sure you cut them into small pieces. Cook the tofu or tempeh for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This keeps the cooking time close to the original recipe. For a gluten-free meal, you can use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer good options that taste great. Check the package for cooking times, as they may differ slightly. Also, make sure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. You can boost the taste of your dish by adding spinach or mushrooms. Both add great texture and nutrients. Stir in about 2 cups of fresh spinach or 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when you sauté the veggies. You can also try adding different seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra kick. This makes your dish even more exciting and full of flavor. To keep your One-Skillet Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration tips: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it first before sealing. - Freezing guidelines: If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best taste, reheating is key: - Best methods for reheating: Use the stovetop for even heating. Add a splash of water or broth to help it warm up nicely. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. - Maintaining texture and flavor: Heat gently to keep the pasta from becoming mushy. Stir often, and add a bit of cream if it seems dry. This keeps the dish creamy and flavorful. You can easily make Cajun seasoning at home. Mix these spices together: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt This blend gives your dish that bold Cajun flavor. You can adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Store any extra in a jar for later use. Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Here are some options: - Fusilli - Farfalle - Spaghetti - Gluten-free pasta Each type adds its own unique texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Follow the package instructions for the best results. This recipe works great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook in advance: Make a large batch and store it. - Storage: Keep it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: You can freeze portions for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Enjoy a hearty meal ready in no time! This blog post covered a flavorful recipe for Cajun chicken pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and variations for different diets. I hope the tips and tricks helped you perfect your dish. Remember, you can adjust spices and try new ingredients to make it your own. As you store leftovers, follow the tips to keep your meal fresh. Enjoy sharing this dish with family and friends, and have fun experimenting with flavors!$

One-Skillet Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delicious and easy one-skillet meal featuring Cajun seasoned chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece bell pepper (red or green), sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are well coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Add the penne pasta to the skillet and stir. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream, and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix well and let everything heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Keyword Cajun, chicken, one-skillet, pasta