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creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe video

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Penne tossed with alfredo sauce is topped with cajun spiced chicken, tomatoes and chopped parsley for easy dinner in just under 20 minutes!
5 from 42 votes
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Course: Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: Italian - American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Author :Nish Kitchen
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups penne or your favorite pasta
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts cut into halves horizontally
  • 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 30 g unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 300 ml heavy cream thickened cream
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup chopped Roma tomatoes
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley leaves
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • To serve:
  • Garlic toast or salad or roasted vegetables

Instructions

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook penne until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain. Set aside.
  • Place chicken in a large bowl. Add cajun seasoning. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. 
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Fry for about 5-6 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from pan. Set aside.
  • To the same pan, add butter.
  • When butter is melted, add garlic. Sauté, stirring, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Gradually stir in cream. Add lemon zest. Simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Whisk in parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Add cooked penne and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves. Toss. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time. 
  • To serve, divide pasta among 4 serving bowls. Top with sliced cooked chicken, tomatoes, parmesan and chopped parsley.
  • Serve with your favorite side - garlic toast, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Video

Notes

  • Shrimp pasta - Substitute chicken with shrimp to make cajun shrimp pasta.
  • Storage - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1250mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g