Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet is the kind of easy dinner that delivers big comfort with bold, smoky flavor in every bite. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, rich cream sauce, and savory parmesan come together in one pan for a quick dinner that feels special without being complicated. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, meal prep, and anyone searching for dinner ideas, pasta recipes, chicken pasta, skillet meals, and comforting food ideas that taste restaurant worthy at home.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 small yellow onion diced
1 red bell pepper sliced
2 cups penne pasta uncooked
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen the flavorful browned bits.
7. Reduce the heat to medium low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
8. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne. Toss until everything is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
10. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until heated through, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce and best flavor, since pre shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, stir in a small splash of broth or cream before serving to bring it back to a silky texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta skillet, cajun chicken pasta, chicken pasta skillet, easy dinner, one pan pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick dinner, pasta dinner ideas