One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Introduction
One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that combines flavors from Cajun cuisine with creamy pasta. This dish is easy to make, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s cooked all in one pan, which means less cleanup afterward. Second, the blend of sweet chili sauce and Cajun seasoning offers a unique flavor that is both spicy and sweet. Plus, it’s a quick meal that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those who want a home-cooked dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Making this dish is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps to create a flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add it to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sweet chili sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring now and then until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the chicken back in and stir everything together until heated through.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped green onions or parsley if you like.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
To serve this dish, spoon it into bowls or plates while it’s hot. Sprinkle some green onions or parsley on top for added color and freshness. Pair it with a light salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or some crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Feel free to add some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition.
Variation
You can make this pasta recipe without cream for a lighter version. Simply skip the heavy cream and cream cheese and use more chicken broth instead. You could also try different types of pasta to suit your preference.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It is best reheated within a few days.
Q: Is this meal spicy?
A: The dish has a sweet and spicy flavor due to the Cajun seasoning and sweet chili sauce. If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning.
Q: Can I freeze One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
A: It is not recommended to freeze cream-based pasta dishes as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta, if desired.
One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and comforting one-pan meal combining Cajun flavors with creamy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add it to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sweet chili sauce, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the chicken back in and stir everything together until heated through.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or some crushed red pepper flakes. You can use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan recipes, weeknight dinner, easy pasta