Cajun Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of the bayou with this creamy Cajun chicken pasta that brings restaurant-style dining into your home kitchen. Made with tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious half-and-half sauce infused with zesty Cajun spices and topped with juicy sliced chicken and fresh Roma tomatoes, this dish perfectly balances heat and creaminess. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Experience the taste of Southern comfort food in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne
12 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (for roux)
half-and-half
1 1/2 cups (for sauce)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for sauce)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (pounded and seasoned)
cajun seasoning
1 1/2 tablespoons (for seasoning chicken)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional) (for seasoning chicken)
vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (for cooking chicken)
roma tomatoes
2 (cored and diced)
Instructions
1
1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk it together for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3
3. Gradually add the half-and-half while continuously stirring. Cook this mixture for about 6 minutes, or until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover to keep warm.
4
4. While the sauce is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/2 inch. Rub both sides generously with Cajun seasoning and, if desired, cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
5
5. Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice the chicken into strips.
6
6. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing to ensure the pasta is well coated. To serve, top with sliced chicken and diced Roma tomatoes, garnishing as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a rich, bayou-inspired dish featuring tender penne pasta in a creamy half-and-half sauce with Cajun-spiced chicken and fresh Roma tomatoes.
What type of pasta is best for this Cajun recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using 12 ounces of penne pasta cooked al dente.
How do I make the creamy sauce for the pasta?
Create a roux by whisking butter and flour for 1 minute, then gradually add half-and-half and cook for 6 minutes before stirring in Parmesan cheese.
What are the main ingredients for the chicken seasoning?
The chicken is seasoned with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and an optional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How thick should I pound the chicken breasts?
Chicken breasts should be pounded to a uniform thickness of approximately 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long does it take to cook the seasoned chicken?
The chicken typically takes 6 to 8 minutes to cook in a nonstick skillet, flipping once.
What kind of cheese is used in the Cajun sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to add richness and flavor to the sauce.
How many Roma tomatoes do I need for this dish?
You will need 2 Roma tomatoes, which should be cored and diced for the topping.
Is this Cajun pasta recipe spicy?
It has a zesty heat from the Cajun seasoning; however, you can control the spice level by adding or omitting the optional cayenne pepper.
Can I use salted butter for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, but if you use salted, be sure to adjust the additional salt to taste.
What type of oil is used to sear the chicken?
The chicken is seared in 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
How do I assemble the final Cajun Creamy Chicken Pasta?
Toss the cooked penne in the cream sauce, then top with the sliced cooked chicken and diced Roma tomatoes.
Should the chicken rest before I slice it?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep the meat juicy before you slice it into strips.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include cajun, pasta, chicken, creamy, comfort food, dinner, southern, and copycat recipe.
How much half-and-half is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half to create the luscious sauce base.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While penne is traditional for this dish, other tube-shaped pastas that hold sauce well can be used as a substitute.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 primary ingredients used to make this Cajun Creamy Chicken Pasta.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Follow the specific package instructions for the penne pasta and test for a firm bite just before draining.
Is this dish considered Southern comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting Southern dish that brings restaurant-style bayou flavors to the home kitchen.
What makes the sauce 'luscious' and 'creamy'?
The combination of the flour-and-butter roux, half-and-half, and melted Parmesan cheese creates a thick, creamy consistency.
Can I make this for a family dinner?
Absolutely, this recipe is specifically noted as being perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests.
What is the purpose of the all-purpose flour in this recipe?
The tablespoon of flour is mixed with melted butter to create a roux, which acts as the thickening agent for the cream sauce.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend starting with a large pot of salted water to properly season the pasta while boiling.
When should I remove the sauce from the heat?
Remove the sauce from the heat once it has thickened (around 6 minutes) and after you have stirred in the Parmesan cheese.
How should I prepare the Roma tomatoes?
The Roma tomatoes should be cored and diced before being added as a fresh garnish to the top of the dish.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is listed as optional for those who want an extra kick of heat.
What is the main protein used in this pasta?
The recipe uses 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve the sauced pasta in a large bowl, topped with the sliced chicken strips and fresh diced tomatoes.
What does the recipe description say about the flavor profile?
It describes the flavor profile as a perfect balance of heat from zesty Cajun spices and creaminess from the luscious sauce.