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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Course Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword copycat-cajun-creamy-chicken-pasta, creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 798kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb box penne pasta
  • 4 6 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning divided use
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 4 medium cloves garlic minced
  • 1 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
  • 3 cups light cream (heavy cream OR half and half)
  • 1/4 tsp lemon pepper
  • 2 diced Roma tomatoes
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped Italian parsley for serving

Instructions

  • Cook penne pasta in salted water per the package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  • Rub chicken breasts with 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning on all sides. (You can use the smooth side of a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts to even thickness., if needed)
  • In a large deep 12 inch skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium high heat. Add chicken, cooking for 3 minutes per side or until juices run clear. Remove to a platter and keep warm.
  • To the skillet add minced onion, cooking for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute longer.
  • To the skillet add Rotel tomatoes cook for 1-2 minutes, scraping brown bits from bottom of pan. Add cream, reserved 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and lemon pepper. Mix until combined. Lower heat to medium. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add cooked penne to sauce. Mix well, then add reserved pasta water 1/2 cup at a time while stirring. Add just until creamy and fully coated with sauce. (You may not need it all)
  • Cut chicken breasts on bias into strips. Arrange penne on each plate, top with sliced chicken breasts.
  • Serve immediately garnished with diced tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 798kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 475mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3247IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 3mg