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High Protein Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Bold Cajun-spiced chicken with colorful peppers and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 8-10 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium yellow or green bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust for spice preference
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • sliced green onions and fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Tongs or wooden spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta but don't rinse it.
  2. While pasta cooks, place chicken strips in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown and cooked to 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add sliced peppers and diced onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until vegetables soften but retain some crunch. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Taste before adding salt.
  6. Add drained pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over everything and toss thoroughly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Storage: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Add milk or cream when reheating to revive the sauce. Spice level: Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your heat preference. Start with less if serving kids. Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for more moisture, add andouille sausage or shrimp for variety, or swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version. Make-ahead: Prep vegetables and slice chicken the night before for faster assembly.