Hey there, food lovers! Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite recipes – Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish is bursting with bold flavors, a creamy texture, and a little kick of spice from the Cajun seasoning. It’s packed with protein, making it a perfect choice for a hearty meal that will keep you satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a loved one, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive right in!
Method
1.Boil the Pasta
Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and the uncooked pasta. I recommend using rigatoni for this recipe, but feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape! Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes depending on the type of pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is tender, drain it, but be sure to save a ladle or two of pasta water for later use. This will help create a creamy sauce.
2.Cook the Chicken and Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, grab a frying pan or skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of oil or cooking spray to the pan to prevent sticking. Next, dice the chicken breasts into small pieces and add them to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. While the chicken is cooking, chop the red onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Add them to the pan along with the chicken and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften and the chicken is fully cooked through. Don’t forget to add the garlic paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra flavor.
3.Add the Cajun Flavor
Once the chicken and veggies are cooked, it’s time to add the Cajun spices! Stir in the Cajun paste and paprika, making sure everything is evenly coated. This is where the dish starts to come alive with those bold, spicy flavors. After that, add the light cream cheese and the Greek yogurt to the pan. Mix everything together until the cream cheese has melted and you’re left with a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4.Combine with Pasta
Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Take your drained pasta and add it directly to the pan with the creamy Cajun sauce. Pour in a ladle or two of the reserved pasta water to help thin out the sauce and make it nice and creamy. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt down. Once the spinach is cooked, toss the pasta and sauce together, making sure every piece of pasta is coated with that flavorful, creamy sauce. Let it all simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine fully.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Frying pan or skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Ladle for pasta water
- Knife and chopping board
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta A Flavorful, High-Protein Delight!
Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
240g chicken breasts, diced
200g uncooked pasta (I used rigatoni)
1/2 a red onion
1 pepper
1/2 tsp garlic paste (I use @verylazyfooduk)
3 tbsp Cajun paste (I use @verylazyfooduk)
3 tbsp light cream cheese
2 tbsp 0% fat natural or Greek yogurt
1/2 tbsp paprika
Salt + pepper to taste
Handful of spinach
Directions
- Boil the pasta Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions (about 10-12 minutes, depending on the type). Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the water for extra flavor.
- Cook the chicken and veggies While the pasta is boiling, heat up a frying pan and sauté the red onion, bell pepper, and chicken with a little garlic until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are softened.
- Add the Cajun flavor Stir in the Cajun paste and paprika, then add the yogurt and cream cheese. Mix everything well and let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Combine with pasta Once the pasta is cooked, add a ladle or two of the pasta water into the pan. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt down. Finally, mix in the cooked pasta and toss everything together to make it nice and creamy.
Notes
- Watch your pasta Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and won’t hold up as well in this creamy dish.
- Don’t skip the pasta water Adding the pasta water to the sauce helps create a silky, creamy texture. It’s also a great way to keep the pasta from becoming dry.
- Adjust the heat If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of Cajun paste. If you love a kick, feel free to add a little extra!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad for a fresh crunch or garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan on top for that cheesy goodness!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Cajun cuisine comes from Louisiana? It’s a mix of French, African, and Native American influences, and it’s known for its bold, spicy flavors. So every bite of this pasta not only tastes great but also has a bit of history behind it!
Conclusion
There you have it – Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein dinner or just craving a creamy, spicy pasta dish, this recipe has got you covered. It’s become one of my go-to meals for busy days when I want something tasty and satisfying. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
