Description
A delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta featuring tender cajun-spiced chicken breasts, colorful sautéed vegetables, and linguine tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines bold flavors and comforting textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
Pasta
- 1 pound linguine
Vegetables
- 3 medium multi-color bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Season chicken: Rub each of the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound linguine according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Sear chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons butter. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes per side until browned.
- Finish cooking chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms. Sauté until tender, stirring frequently, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Season vegetables: Sprinkle remaining 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning over vegetables and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to combine flavors.
- Create sauce: Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to slightly thicken.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked linguine into the creamy vegetable mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve: Slice rested chicken breasts and place over the creamy cajun pasta. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- To make your own Cajun seasoning, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in desired proportions.
- Use heavy cream for a rich sauce, or substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Searing chicken first creates a flavorful crust while keeping it juicy inside.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
- This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 228 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 187 mg
