Description
One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that combines creamy sauce with bold Cajun seasoning for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
1. Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, brown sugar, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add uncooked penne pasta to the skillet, cover, and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick if desired.
6. Top with chopped parsley and cherry tomatoes (if desired). Serve hot.
Notes
To make the dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta or low-fat cream. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg