Introduction

This lighter creamy Cajun chicken pasta offers a delightful balance of bold spices and creamy textures without the heaviness. It’s a flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family.

A white bowl filled with three layers of food, starting with a base layer of small, ridged rotini pasta coated in a creamy, orange-colored sauce. On top, there are pieces of grilled chicken with a dark char, scattered red bell pepper chunks, and garnished with green basil leaves. Thin, pale yellow shavings of cheese are spread unevenly across the dish. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork and spoon placed to the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound short-cut pasta
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite size pieces
1 tablespoon, plus 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
Crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the chopped onion, chicken pieces, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is browned all over, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: To the pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, chopped bell peppers, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Add the cream cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the pot and toss in the cooked pasta. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
If you prefer more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat sauce.
Add some sliced mushrooms or spinach with the bell peppers for added veggies.
Use fresh Cajun seasoning if possible for the best flavor; otherwise, bottled seasoning works well.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a deep, round white bowl filled with short, ridged, spiral-shaped pasta coated in creamy orange sauce. Mixed in are chunks of grilled chicken with a browned, slightly charred surface, and small pieces of red bell pepper spread throughout, adding bursts of bright red color. On top, there are fresh green basil leaves as a garnish. A silver spoon and a silver fork are placed in the bowl, resting on the pasta. The background shows a white marbled texture and some scattered small green leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most short-cut pastas such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just cook according to package instructions.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste by adding less or more seasoning.