Description
Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey with our irresistible “One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta.” This dish is a delightful fusion of Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a silky, creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and comforting flavors, all conveniently cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounce penne pasta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
1. Season & Sear Chicken: Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, brown sugar, and tomato paste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Cover and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
5. Combine & Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix in the Parmesan cheese. If desired, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
6. Garnish & Serve: Top the dish with chopped fresh parsley and halved cherry tomatoes. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and spicy Cajun delight!
Notes
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 41
- Cholesterol: 120