Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is ideal for healthy family dinners and busy weeknights when you want something comforting but healthy. My family is obsessed with it and I know yours will be too!
Quick Look: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- 🕒 Total Time: 45 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6 servings
- 📊 Calories: 434 per serving
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If you're looking for an additional high protein pasta recipe, be sure to add my Creamy Bacon & Chicken Pasta! It's equally as delicious as this one and it's a recipe my kids request regularly!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- One Skillet Meal - Everything comes together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and an easy weeknight dinner win!
- Nutritionally Balanced - Unlike many creamy pasta dishes, this recipe includes lean chicken and bell peppers for protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a more balanced option for healthy family dinners.
- Subtle Cajun flavor - The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of smoky heat, giving this pasta great flavor without needing extra sauces or heavy ingredients.
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Select Ingredients
- Pasta Noodles - I use a gluten-free penne in this recipe and it's perfect! You can swap up the noodle shape with whatever you have on hand if you'd like.
- Diced Tomatoes - I've tried this recipe with fire roasted tomatoes and petite diced tomatoes and while both are delicious, I like the petite diced best, especially for picky eaters that don't like big chunks of tomato.
- Bell Peppers - You can swap out for other colors if you'd like!
- Chicken Breasts - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my preference for this recipe to keep it high protein and lean.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Adjust the Heat: I like to use a general Cajun seasoning for family-friendly meals but some Cajun seasoning can vary in spice level so be cautious about that. If you like more of a kick, add an additional ½ Tablespoon!
➡️ Pasta Noodle Swap - My favorite noodles for this recipe are penne and rotini to really hold that creamy sauce! I've used regular and gluten free noodles as well and both work beautifully.
➡️ Reheating Tip - When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth and warm gently to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Add olive oil to a large skillet. Toss chicken with ½ tablespoon cajun seasoning and add to skillet. Cook until done. Place chicken in foil and wrap tightly to keep warm.
Step 2: Add bell peppers, onion, and remaining ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the emptied skillet and saute until softened. Add extra olive oil if needed for this step. Add garlic and saute for another minute or two.
Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and ½ cup half and half. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Cook, stirring frequently until pasta is nearly tender. Add cornstarch and water mixture and cook until pasta is just tender and sauce mixture has thickened.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Stir in the parmesan and cooked chicken, and season with salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Step 6: Top with additional shredded parmesan and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta noodles and be sure to also check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are certified gluten-free, as some blends may contain hidden gluten.
To reheat creamy Cajun chicken pasta, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth. This helps loosen the sauce and keeps it creamy instead of dry or clumpy.
This recipe can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk instead of half and half. Choose an unsweetened option to maintain the savory Cajun flavor. You'll also need a dairy free parmesan option!
Check out my meal planning app Wholesome Meals Made Easy for more easy, healthy recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!
More Healthy Pasta Dishes
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper chopped
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- 2 teaspoon garlic cloves minced
- 28 oz chicken broth
- 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes
- ½ cup half and half
- 12 oz. penne pasta
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- ¾ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoon green onions sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss chicken with ½ tablespoon cajun seasoning. Add to skillet in a single layer.
- Cook until cooked on bottom for about 5 minutes then flip to cook on the other side. Once cooked through, transfer to a sheet of foil and wrap to keep warm.
- Add bell peppers, onion, and remaining ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the emptied skillet and saute until softened. Add extra olive oil if needed for this step. Add garlic and saute for another minute or two.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and ½ cup half and half. Bring mixture to a boil, then add pasta. Heads up: the half and half may separate slightly, just give it a good stir!
- Cook, stirring frequently until pasta is nearly tender, probably 12-14 minutes. Add cornstarch and water mixture and cook until pasta is just tender and sauce mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the parmesan and cooked chicken, and season with salt and pepper to taste if needed. Top with additional shredded parmesan and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!
I made this pasta dish recently and loved it! So comforting, healthy, and perfect for my busy weeknight dinner.
We LOVE this recipe in our house! It makes me feel good to know the kids are getting veggies and protein in while enjoying their pasta too!