Cajun Chicken Pasta
The ultimate comfort food! Cajun Chicken Pasta combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and zesty spices for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies every craving. You’ll want to make this delicious, hearty meal tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch dice
- 4 teaspoons cajun or creole seasoning divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces Andouille sausage sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining. Drain and set aside.
- Sprinkle the chicken with black pepper and half the cajun seasoning.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add Andouille sausage, onion, and red bell pepper and cook until sausage is browned and onion and bell pepper are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and cream cheese and stir it in until it is melted. Add half-and-half and remaining cajun seasoning and bring to a simmer.
- Stir Parmesan cheese in and return chicken to skillet. Stir in the penne.
- If sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Tip: Nutritional info is provided as an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used.