Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta offers a flavorful, creamy dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken tenders are seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked with sautéed peppers and onions, then combined with a light creamy sauce made from low sodium chicken broth, milk, and cream cheese. Tossed with short-cut pasta and finished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, this dish balances bold Cajun flavors with a lighter, creamy texture for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound short-cut pasta
Protein & Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 tablespoon, plus 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- Crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short-cut pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Chicken and Onion: Using the same pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and chicken tenders, seasoning with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Peppers and Garlic: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped bell peppers and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the peppers are soft. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and milk. Add the room temperature cream cheese and whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and uniform. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce. Return the cooked pasta and browned chicken to the pot. Toss everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy your lighter creamy Cajun chicken pasta!
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note, but you can substitute with parsley if preferred.
- Short-cut pasta types like penne or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, light creamy pasta, healthier Cajun chicken, quick chicken pasta, stovetop creamy pasta, weeknight dinner
