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Chicken Pasta Recipe

Chicken Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

This flavorful Chicken Pasta combines tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts with sautéed bell peppers and onions, tossed in a creamy Parmesan and cream cheese sauce over perfectly cooked penne or rotini. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and packs a punch of bold, savory flavors with a smooth, indulgent sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced

Sauce & Pasta

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion. Sauté on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Cook the pasta: While the vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: To the skillet with vegetables, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cubed cream cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
  • You can substitute cream cheese with half-and-half or heavy cream for a lighter or richer sauce, respectively.
  • For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken recipe, one-pan chicken pasta, easy dinner, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/chicken-pasta-recipe/