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chilis cajun chicken pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1 /2 cup (120ml) pasta water, then drain.
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 roma tomato, diced

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 1 lb (450g) penne 1 minute under the package time, about 9 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water, then drain.
  2. Pat the 2 chicken breasts dry and rub with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. In the same pan over medium, melt 1 tbsp butter. Cook the 4 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute. Add 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth and scrape the pan, then simmer 2 minutes. Pour in 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Simmer 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce coats a spoon.
  4. Add the drained penne and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss over medium-low for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan and the diced roma tomato. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Divide among 4 bowls, top with chicken strips, and scatter 2 tbsp chopped parsley over each. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you're making your own Cajun blend, combine 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano with 1/2 tsp each cayenne, white pepper, and black pepper, plus 1 tsp salt. This dish is best eaten right away; the sauce absorbs into the pasta quickly, so if you're feeding people in shifts, keep the sauce and pasta separate and combine to order.