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–+ servings

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This flavorful and creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is one of our favorite restaurant-quality dishes to make at home in just 30 minutes!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes
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Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced white onion
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 4 large cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper more or less depending on taste
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 4 oz cream cheese at room temperature
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot over high heat and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, add the butter, olive oil and onion to a large pot over medium-high heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the red bell pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, ground black pepper, salt and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 3 more minutes or until the bell pepper starts to become soft.
  • Add the chicken and stir and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Add the parmesan, heavy cream, cream cheese and chicken broth and stir and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken and the cream cheese has fully melted.
  • Add the cooked and drained pasta and stir to coat pasta with sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve with freshly chopped parsley on top, if desired.

Notes

To make ahead: For best results, cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and then combine everything. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, whisking constantly, with a splash of milk or broth to bring back its silky texture.