Description
Indulgent cajun pasta brings spicy southern comfort to your dinner table. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold spices combine for a memorable meal that satisfies deeply.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 oz (57 g) cream cheese
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 1/2 lb (0.23 kg) penne pasta
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 15 oz (425 g) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small mixing bowl to create the Cajun seasoning blend.
- Cut chicken into uniform small cubes and generously coat each piece with the prepared Cajun seasoning mixture.
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding oil and butter. Sauté seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce diced onions to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure pasta cooks uniformly.
- Remove from heat and incorporate cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity for those sensitive to heat.
- Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein for versatile meal options.
- Use gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dish.
- Consider reducing cream cheese for a lighter version while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg