Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

5 from 28 votes

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta comes together so fast! This easy chicken dinner recipe is the perfect combo of spicy and creamy!

Prep Time5

Cook Time16

Total Time21

Servings: servings

Calories: 453kcal

Author: Lisa Longley

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta cooked according to package instructions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/3 cup grated Parmesan plus more for topping
salt and pepper to taste
1 diced tomato
fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a raging boil, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook it for the length of time indicated on the package so the pasta is al dente. Drain the past once it's done and set it aside. Read all my tips on cooking pasta here: How to Cook Pasta.
8 ounces penne pasta
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Season the chicken on both sides with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (total for the chicken). Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Remove the chicken from the skillet. Clean the pan and return it to the medium heat.
Melt the butter, add the garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for another 30 seconds. Slowly add the half and half, initially about a tablespoon at a time, so the sauce thickens. Add more quickly after you have added about half a cup. The whole process should take less than a minute.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups half and half
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt completely. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
1/3 cup grated Parmesan, salt and pepper to taste
Add the penne to the sauce, top with diced tomatoes, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and the sliced cooked chicken. Enjoy immediately!
1 diced tomato, fresh parsley

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