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. If you’re looking for more Cajun inspired recipes, try Instant Pot Jambalaya, Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice, and Crockpot Cajun Sausage and Potatoes.
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 and Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
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
Bring the restaurant home with you with this Chili's copycat recipe for 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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