Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Suggested Meal Time: Lunch or dinner
Cuisine Style: American–Italian fusion
Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, mildly spicy

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 250 g fettuccine or tagliatelle

• Water + salt for boiling

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup milk (optional, to loosen sauce)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Extra Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry.

2. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

4. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

5. Remove from pan, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

5. Pour in heavy cream (and milk if using).

6. Stir in Parmesan, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

7. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

2. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

3. Place sliced chicken on top or mix it through the pasta.

4. Heat for 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined.

5. Serve

1. Transfer to bowls.

2. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

3. Serve hot.

Calories (Approx.)

• Pasta: ~400 kcal

• Chicken: ~280 kcal

• Creamy sauce: ~250–300 kcal
  Total per serving: ~750–850 kcal

Who This Dish Is Good For

• People who love creamy, bold-flavored pasta

• Perfect comfort food for dinner

• Great for meal prep (keeps well for 2 days)

• Anyone craving restaurant-style pasta at home

Energy-Saving Tips

• Cook chicken and sauce in the same pan to reduce cleanup.

• Slice vegetables while pasta cooks to save time.

• Use pre-grated Parmesan if needed, but fresh is better for melting.