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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 cup heavy cream The heart of this dish is simple yet delicious. You need diced chicken breasts for protein. Fettuccine pasta gives it a nice texture. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Cajun seasoning adds a kick to the dish. It brings warmth and depth of flavor. Cherry tomatoes provide a fresh burst, balancing the creaminess. Together, these ingredients elevate the dish. - Fresh parsley or chives - Parmesan cheese Garnishes add a nice touch to your plate. Fresh parsley or chives add color and a fresh taste. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor. These extras make your dish look and taste gourmet. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step is key to flavoring the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta but save half a cup of that pasta water. Set the drained fettuccine aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat a good amount of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Now, lower the heat to a simmer. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix the cream with the chicken. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. This helps to create a nice, creamy consistency. It’s time to bring in some color. Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. This adds a burst of flavor and freshness. Let the tomatoes warm through for about 2-3 minutes. This step brightens the dish and makes it more enjoyable. Gently fold the cooked fettuccine into the chicken and creamy sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta gets coated in that delicious sauce. This helps to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta right after plating. For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle a bit more Cajun seasoning on top. Optionally, add some freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the look and taste. Enjoy your meal while it’s hot! To get the sauce just right, use the pasta water. This water holds starch, which helps thicken your sauce. Start with a little, then add more if needed. It makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Cook it until golden brown and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Perfectly cooked chicken adds flavor and keeps it juicy. For more zing, add extra Cajun seasoning. It boosts the dish and makes it more exciting. Just sprinkle a little on top when you finish cooking. Adding garlic or onion gives depth to the flavors. Sauté these before the chicken for an amazing smell. They add a nice layer of taste that everyone will love. When sautéing, make sure your skillet is hot enough. This helps to get a nice brown on the chicken. Use a generous drizzle of olive oil to avoid sticking. Always choose quality ingredients. Fresh chicken and ripe cherry tomatoes make a big difference. They enhance the taste and make your dish stand out. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for fettuccine or any pasta that holds sauce well; this enhances the creamy texture and flavor absorption. Season the Chicken Generously: Don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning; it not only adds flavor to the chicken but also infuses the entire dish with a delightful kick. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes not only add a burst of color but also a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the cream. Adjust Creaminess to Taste: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve your preferred consistency without sacrificing flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Shrimp makes a great swap. Just cook it until it turns pink. Sausage also works well. Slice it up and add it to the pan with the chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes and sauté it until golden. It will soak up all the flavors from the Cajun seasoning. If fettuccine isn’t your thing, you can swap it for penne. Penne holds the sauce well and adds a fun twist. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available now that taste great. Whole wheat pasta is another good choice. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor to your dish. Not everyone wants to use heavy cream. You can try light cream for a lower fat option. If you want a dairy-free choice, look for plant-based creams. Coconut cream is a tasty option that adds a slight sweetness. For those who are lactose sensitive, try almond or soy cream. These alternatives will keep your dish creamy without the dairy. Store your creamy Cajun chicken pasta in airtight containers. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing to avoid steam buildup. To freeze leftovers, let the pasta cool completely first. Then, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place it in a skillet with a splash of water or cream. This helps to keep it moist. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Use low heat and stir often. If it looks dry, add a bit of water or cream to revive the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook. This keeps the chicken and pasta tender. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time! It takes about 30 minutes to make creamy Cajun chicken pasta. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 20 minutes You can easily whip this up after a busy day. Just follow the steps, and you'll have a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. I recommend cooking it and then letting it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to heat it later, just warm it up on the stove. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad. A fresh Caesar salad works great too. Garlic bread pairs nicely as well. For a twist, try serving it with steamed broccoli or asparagus for some extra veggies. The original recipe uses fettuccine pasta, which is not gluten-free. However, you can swap it for gluten-free pasta. Look for brands that make gluten-free fettuccine or any other shape you like. This way, everyone can enjoy the creamy Cajun chicken pasta! In this post, I outlined a tasty recipe for creamy Cajun chicken pasta, highlighting the key ingredients like chicken, fettuccine, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide your cooking, along with tips for perfecting the sauce. Experiment with protein swaps, pasta alternatives, and cream options to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and consider how to revitalize them later. Enjoy this dish for a comforting meal that packs flavor!

Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A quick and delicious creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced chicken and cherry tomatoes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Evenly sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to a simmer, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine the cream with the chicken, allowing it to simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too dense, incorporate a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.
  • Add Cherry Tomatoes: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet, stirring them into the sauce. Allow the tomatoes to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, providing a pop of freshness to the dish.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked fettuccine into the chicken and creamy Cajun sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated and combined with all the flavors.
  • Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta beautifully, and if you’d like, sprinkle a bit more Cajun seasoning on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve it immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a visually appealing dish, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also elevate the flavors and appearance.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, quick meal