PREP TIME: 10 MINS | COOK TIME: 35 MINS | TOTAL TIME: 45 MINS | YIELD: 5 servings
This one-pot, Cajun chicken pasta is one of my top favorite weeknight meals. Incredibly easy to make and ready in no time. A scrumptious creamy pasta dish with chicken and sliced peppers perfect to enjoy by itself or with bread or a simple salad/veggies on the side.
INGREDIENTS :
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1” pieces
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 to 3 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 c. diced yellow onion
- 2 1/2 c. uncooked penne pasta
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, seeds removed and sliced into thin strips
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeds removed and sliced into thin strips
- freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 2 c. chicken broth
- 1/3 c. water
- 1/2 c. shredded from the block Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS :
Step 1: Sprinkle the chicken with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes. Next, add the chicken and sear all sides until brown. Then, add the garlic and stir. Continue to cook for another minute until the garlic is aromatic.
Step 3: To the pan. Add the uncooked pasta along with the chicken broth, water, sliced peppers, and the rest of the Cajun seasoning (for mild flavor, use 1 tsp or two for a full Cajun flavor). Stir well and bring everything to a boil. Adjust the heat to low, put the lid on, and simmer for about 22 minutes. Remove the cover and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted.
Step 4: Serve the Cajun chicken pasta right away when done garnished with some fresh parsley. Enjoy!
NOTE:
To make homemade Cajun seasoning, whisk 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, half tsp onion powder, half tsp oregano, half tsp cayenne pepper, half tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/8 tsp red chili flakes.
NUTRITION FACTS:
CALORIES: 371.6KCAL, CARBOHYDRATES: 26G, PROTEIN: 30.2G, FAT: 15.6G, CHOLESTEROL: 77.9MG, SODIUM: 661.7MG, POTASSIUM: 288.3MG, FIBER: 1.7G, SUGAR: 1.7G
