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–+ servings
Melany

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Rich, creamy, and full of bold Cajun flavors, Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious cheesy sauce come together in this quick and easy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Pasta:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for frying
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into four pieces
  • 7 ounces rigatoni or pasta of choice
For the Cajun Sauce:
  • 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ onion sliced
  • ½ red bell pepper sliced
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes:
  • Chili flakes to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (to taste)

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken:
  1. In a bowl, mix chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta about 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Sear the Chicken:
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
  1. In the same skillet, add butter.
  2. Sauté the onions and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
Prepare the Cajun Sauce:
  1. Stir in tomato sauce, heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and the remaining ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
  2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  1. Add the cooked pasta and half of the chicken (sliced into bite-sized pieces) to the skillet.
  2. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust salt to taste.
Serve and Garnish:
  1. Plate the pasta and top with the remaining chicken pieces.
  2. Garnish with chili flakes and fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Notes

  • Cook pasta slightly underdone as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
  • Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning or chili flakes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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