Skip the restaurant with this chili’s copycat recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s tender chicken on top of al-dente noodles and tossed with a cajun cream sauce.
Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes I have ordered countless times in the past. Before getting married and having kids, Sean and I lived a couple of miles away from a Chili’s and ate there a lot.
We tried to keep the tradition alive after kids, but the stress of eating out with little kids and the cost of eating out as a family has put a hold on our bi-monthly tradition.
Luckily, my cooking skills have come a long way in the last 10 years. I’m constantly learning and experimenting with different techniques and flavors. It makes the lack of restaurant meals much easier to accept. When I shared the recipe for Crockpot Cajun Sausage and Potatoes last week, I promised a Cajun pasta recipe for you.
This recipe is an easy 30 minute meal made with fresh ingredients. Made with a simple Cajun cream sauce, it is super kid friendly (as is this Fettuccine Alfredo with Garlic Roasted Broccoli) and not too spicy. It also makes great leftovers. Just add a bit of milk or water when reheating.
You may also like Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients in Cajun Chicken Pasta
(printable recipe is below)
- 1 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups grated parmesan + more for topping
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 4 green onions, sliced
Directions for making Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes per side, or until cooked thoroughly.
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a medium sauce pan, melt heavy cream and butter. Stir constantly.
- Once butter is melted, mix in the Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Mix in the pasta water and remove from heat.
- Cut the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the Cajun sauce and top with chicken, green onions, and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Store any leftover cajun chicken pasta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
Mix a little milk into the leftovers prior to reheating. It will help the dish keep it’s creaminess.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups grated parmesan + more for topping
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 4 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes per side, or until cooked thoroughly.
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a medium sauce pan, melt heavy cream and butter. Stir constantly.
- Once butter is melted, mix in the Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir constantly until the cheese is melted. Mix in the pasta water and remove from heat.
- Cut the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the Cajun sauce and top with chicken, green onions, and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Store any leftover cajun chicken pasta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
Mix a little milk into the leftovers prior to reheating. It will help the dish keep it's creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving Calories 815
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