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Cajun Chicken Pasta
Let’s face it, life can get super hectic sometimes and it feels like there’s no time for anything, much less time to make dinner. Just trust me with this one though, between your crazy life and mine, I know you can find time to make this: my Cajun chicken pasta.
Easy peasy dish and full of flavor. You’ll be begging for more (or will your kids & spouse?) and this will definitely be a dish that is part of your dinner rotation menus.The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta and the Cajun seasoning gives it the right amount of BAM (ha, see what I did there? Cajun – Louisiana – Emeril, eh eh?).
Oh, did I mention that the sun-dried tomatoes that gave the dish a nice tangy sweetness? My 2 pounds of sun-dried tomatoes I just bought this weekend probably won’t last very long. Anyway, what are you waiting for? Well, right, the recipe. Print this baby out and make it ya’ll! ;)
How To Make The Most Amazing Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the box and drain well. In a large skillet, melt butter and add in the chicken strips. Sprinkle a portion of the Cajun seasoning on the chicken.
Cook the chicken halfway through, then more butter and add in the onion, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. Sprinkle the other tbsp. of Cajun seasoning over the chicken and veggies. Saute until everything is cooked through.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Once the cheese has melted, let simmer and thicken for a bit, stirring occasionally. Once thickened to the desired creaminess, turn off the heat and add in your pasta and mix well, coating the pasta with the sauce. Serve with more Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
What is In Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of some pretty common household spices that come together to make that beautiful, rich flavor we find in this classic southern seasoning. Here’s a list of the general ingredient list in most cajun seasonings.
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried thyme
- Onion powder
It’s easy to pick up a pre-mixed container, or you can make your own. Check out this recipe for a great Homemade Cajun Seasoning.
Is This Cajun Chicken Pasta Spicy?
Contrary to popular belief, cajun spiced foods aren’t always that spicy. It really depends on the seasoning blend you use that will determine the spice level of this cajun chicken pasta.
Your traditional seasoning blend will have a bit of a spice to it but nothing too crazy, perfect for those who aren’t crazy about too much spice. If you want to kick up the heat you can grab a cajun spice blend that specifically states it is spicy, like Slap Ya Mama’s Hot Cajun Seasoning.
So, to get to the point, this recipe can be as spicy or as mild as you like. It’s all up to what you prefer. Just proceed with caution when trying any new spicy cajun blends, they can get pretty intense.
What Kind of Noodles Do I Need For Cajun Pasta?
I used spaghetti for this recipe because I love how the noodles hold the sauce, but really you can use any noodles you want to. Use whatever you have on hand, or go for your favorite style. Try it out a few ways and let me know which you like best!
Can I Make This With a Different Meat?
If you want to keep with the cajun vibe, you can make this cajun pasta recipe a few different ways. Try it with shrimp, or with smoked sausage, and you’ll feel like you’re eating a dish straight out of a Louisiana kitchen.
For the vegetarians out there, you can also substitute tofu for the chicken as well.
Whatever meat or protein product you choose to use, follow the directions the same as below.
Tips For Serving Cajun Chicken Pasta
Like I said, this is an essential weeknight dinner recipe you’ll want to have ready to go. What I love about pasta meals, especially ones that already include protein and veggies, is that you pretty much have a full meal all in one. So, if you want to serve up just this dish go right ahead!
For those of you who might not be as strapped for time and want a little something extra, try throwing together a Quick Basic Chopped Salad, and this Extra Garlicky and Cheesy Bread and Bon appetit!
Wait Until You Try Even More Easy Dinner Recipes
Easiest Three Ingredient Chicken Nuggets
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ box of spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 chicken tenderloins cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup (96 g) mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup (55 g) sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- In a medium pot for the pasta, season the water with salt and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta until done. Drain well.1/2 box of spaghetti
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp. of butter on medium high heat and add in the chicken strips. Sprinkle 1 tbsp. of Cajun seasoning on the chicken. Cook the chicken halfway through, it'll finish cooking with everything else.2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, 4 chicken tenderloins cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Melt the remaining butter and add in the onion, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over the chicken and veggies. Saute until everything is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.1 medium onion, 1 cup (96 g) mushrooms, 1/2 cup (55 g) sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon fresh basil
- Turn down the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Once cheese has melted, let simmer and thicken for a bit, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.1/2 cup (118 ml) heavy cream, 1/4 cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Once thickened to the desired creaminess, turn off the heat and add in your pasta and mix well, coating the pasta with the sauce. The starch from the pasta should help thicken this too.
- Serve with more Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
Notes
Nutrition
Photography by Jesse Reilly
I am missing some good pasta, thanks for sharing I think I am gonna try this :)
What type of sun-dried tomatoes did you use? Packed in oil?
no, i used the ones that are dried and come in a zip-top packet.
How did you make it dairy free? What substitute for heavy cream?
I didn’t make it dairy free. Someone else above me did and I don’t know what they did. Sorry!
If I were doubling this recipe and using boneless chicken breasts, how many would I need? Or does a tenderloin mean breast?
I would say 2-3 chicken breasts. Tenderloin and breasts are two different parts of the chicken so no, I don’t mean breast. Enjoy! :)
I made this tonight (dairy-free though) and it was so delicious! I’d been planning to make it for over a month now and finally got it done. I made a lot and can’t wait to eat it for leftovers! Yum!