What is cajun chicken pasta?

Cajun chicken pasta is a skillet dish with bite-sized pieces of seared chicken, bell peppers, and onions tossed with penne pasta. The whole thing is coated in a spiced cream sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan. It has a smoky, slightly spicy flavor from the cajun seasoning, and it is a comforting, hearty dinner.

What do I need to make creamy cajun pasta?

You need boneless chicken breasts, penne pasta, heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. For the vegetable base, you need a yellow onion, a green bell pepper, and fresh garlic. The main flavor component is cajun seasoning, which you can buy or make from paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. A large deep skillet is the only special equipment required.

Why is it called "marry me pasta"?

It is called "marry me pasta" because the dish is so good that it supposedly prompts a marriage proposal. The combination of juicy, well-seasoned chicken and a rich cream sauce creates a satisfying mouthfeel. The joke is that anyone who tastes this homestyle cooking will want to marry the cook immediately.

What to add to cajun chicken pasta?

You can customize your cajun chicken pasta several ways. Sliced mushrooms or cherry tomatoes work well with the existing vegetables. For extra protein, sliced smoked sausage or peeled shrimp are classic cajun additions. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can cut through the heavy dairy and brighten the whole dish.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A 30-Minute Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 12 oz penne pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp cajun seasoning; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 1 green bell pepper (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Description

A rich and spicy skillet dish featuring bite-sized seared chicken, tender penne pasta, and bell peppers in a smooth cream sauce. The cream cheese and parmesan create a thick coating that clings to the noodles without breaking.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

12 oz penne pasta

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1 medium yellow onion (diced)

1 green bell pepper (diced)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 485 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg