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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Rich Tomato Sauce

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A creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta with a rich tomato cream sauce that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels. Toss them with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to thicken and deepen flavors.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and slowly stir in ½ cup heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until sauce is rich and velvety.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to get a nice crust. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Add cream slowly over low heat to prevent curdling. Adjust spice level by varying Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. Leftovers reheat best with a splash of cream or water on the stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, tomato cream sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, spicy pasta, chicken recipe

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