Description
One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavor explosion combining tender chicken, a creamy and spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta – all made in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
1. Season and sear the chicken: Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the sauce: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, brown sugar, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the pasta: Add uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Combine and finish: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and halved cherry tomatoes. Serve hot.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne pasta. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg