Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender seasoned chicken, whole wheat penne pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it features a spicy Cajun seasoning blend balanced with cream cheese, making for a rich and comforting meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Dairy and Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Vegetables
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¾ cup diced tomatoes
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Liquids and Grains
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta (or chickpea pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Add butter to a large non-stick skillet and melt it over medium heat to create a flavorful base for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, ensuring it is partially cooked before adding additional ingredients.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they become slightly soft and fragrant, melding their flavor with the chicken.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Stir everything together so the pasta is evenly distributed within the liquid and vegetables.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to a low simmer and let the mixture cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth, creating a thick sauce.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Stir the cream cheese into the skillet to melt it smoothly into the sauce, resulting in a creamy and rich consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish for a fresh, mild onion flavor and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Using chickpea pasta increases the protein and fiber content, making the dish more nutrient-dense.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting into the sauce, preventing clumps.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free penne.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
