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Creamy Gooey Cajun Chicken Pasta

creamy gooey cajun chicken pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta with a perfect balance of spicy seasoning and melted cheese, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • Salted water for boiling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then sauté onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and gooey. Add smoked paprika and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta. Toss gently to coat evenly with sauce. Warm together for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep stirring during sauce preparation to prevent lumps. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and milk for lactose-free version. For less spice, reduce Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, spicy pasta, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-gooey-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-melted-cheese-delight/