Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta combines tender, flavorful chicken breasts with a rich and spicy sauce made from Cajun seasoning, milk, and chicken broth. Tossed with penne pasta and fresh vegetables, this one-pan dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a touch of Southern flair.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 roma tomato, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board to rest while preparing the pasta.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir frequently and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Cook the pasta in sauce: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet, then pour in 2 ½ cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken broth. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt over the mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has been mostly absorbed to create a creamy sauce, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the creamy pasta in the skillet. Sprinkle with chopped roma tomato and green onions for a fresh contrast. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer, creamier sauce; you may substitute with 2% milk but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to taste if you prefer milder or spicier flavors.
- Resting the chicken before slicing helps retain juices and keeps the meat tender.
- Stirring often during pasta cooking prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
- You can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American