Creamy Cajun Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Discover a delightful blend of flavors in this Creamy Cajun Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken, fresh basil, and vibrant tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of penne pasta. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on taste and ease, making it a favorite among families. Packed with protein and bursting with herbs, it's a wholesome meal that even picky teenagers will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (cut into bite-sized strips)
Penne Pasta
16 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
Heavy Whipping Cream
1.5-2 cups (gradually added to the skillet)
Tomatoes
1/4 cup (diced)
White Onion
1/4 cup (minced)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Fresh Basil
4 sprigs (loosely packed)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Cajun Seasoning
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking 1 (16 ounce) package of penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
3
In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over low heat. Add 1/4 cup of minced white onion and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4
Increase the heat to medium and add the chicken strips to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 to 2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning, adjusting to your tasting preference. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on medium-low heat.
5
Once the chicken is halfway cooked, add 4 sprigs of fresh basil. You can loosely chop the basil leaves into strips for easier incorporation. Stir, cover again, and allow the chicken to finish cooking.
6
Slowly pour in 1.5 to 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously to combine. If you prefer a creamier dish, feel free to add more cream.
7
Add 1/4 cup of freshly diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir gently. Cover the skillet once more and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through.
8
Serve the creamy chicken mixture over the cooked penne pasta. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta?
It is a delightful dish that combines tender seasoned chicken, fresh basil, and vibrant tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce served over penne pasta.
How many chicken breasts are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What type of pasta is best for this Cajun dish?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of penne pasta.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized strips.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
How much butter is used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter.
What vegetables are sautéed in the butter?
You should sauté 1/4 cup of minced white onion and 1 minced garlic clove.
What seasoning gives the chicken its flavor?
Cajun seasoning is used to flavor the chicken.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
You can use between 1 to 2 tablespoons, adjusting to your own tasting preference.
At what heat setting should the chicken simmer?
The chicken should simmer on medium-low heat while covered.
When should the fresh basil be added?
Add the fresh basil once the chicken is halfway cooked.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe requires 4 sprigs of fresh basil.
How should the basil be prepared?
You can loosely chop the basil leaves into strips for easier incorporation into the sauce.
What kind of cream is used for the pasta sauce?
The sauce is made using heavy whipping cream.
How much heavy whipping cream is added?
Use 1.5 to 2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
Can I make the sauce even creamier?
Yes, you can feel free to add more cream if you prefer a creamier consistency.
How much tomato is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of freshly diced tomatoes.
When are the diced tomatoes added to the skillet?
Add the tomatoes after pouring in the heavy whipping cream.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is ready once it has finished cooking through while simmering with the cream and tomatoes.
How is the dish served?
Serve the creamy chicken and sauce mixture over the cooked penne pasta.
What cheese is used as a topping?
The dish is topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for busy weeknights due to its ease and great taste.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a favorite among families and even picky teenagers love it.
What type of onion should I use?
A white onion is recommended for this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
One minced garlic clove is required.
Should I cover the skillet during cooking?
Yes, covering the skillet helps the chicken simmer and cook through properly.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, it is packed with protein from the chicken breasts.
Can I adjust the spice level of this pasta?
Yes, by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning between 1 and 2 tablespoons, you can control the spice level.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich and creamy, designed to cling to every bite of the penne pasta.