If you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, and delicious, then this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for you! It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes and feeds a family of four for under £7, thanks to Aldi’s amazing prices. The creamy sauce, combined with Cajun spices, gives this pasta a bold flavor that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how you can make this tasty, satisfying meal right at home!
Method
To begin, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Make sure to reserve 2 cups of the pasta water before draining it. This pasta water contains starch, which helps to make the sauce smooth and creamy. While the pasta is cooking, move on to preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breast fillets into thin strips, then sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken, making sure to coat the strips evenly. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan and stir-fry it for about 5 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Now, it’s time to work on the sauce. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion to the pan and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until it softens. Next, stir in the garlic paste and cook for another minute, making sure the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato purée to the pan and sauté for another minute to cook out the raw flavor. Then, toss in the sliced peppers, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and sauté for another minute until the peppers soften slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it into the vegetable and seasoning mixture.
Once the chicken is well mixed with the veggies, reduce the heat to low and pour in 200ml of double cream along with 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes nice and creamy. Now, add the pasta to the pan and gently stir to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add the second cup of reserved pasta water to achieve the consistency you desire. Once everything is well combined, remove the pan from the heat.To finish, serve the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top, followed by Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for an added creamy richness. If you like a bit of heat, you can sprinkle some red chili flakes as well. Your creamy Cajun chicken pasta is now ready to enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater (for Parmigiano Reggiano)
- Serving plates
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Mid-Week Meal!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Pasta:
500g Essentials Penne
300ml Double cream
2 Chicken breast fillets
1 Medium ‘Wonky’ Onion
1 ‘Wonky’ Green/Red pepper
Fresh Parsley (30g)
80g Parmigiano Reggiano shaved cheese
For the Sauce and Seasoning:
1 tbsp Oil
1 tbsp Butter
Salt, to taste
1 tsp Red chilli flakes (optional)
1 tsp Oregano
1 tbsp Tomato purée
1 tsp Garlic paste
1 tsp Paprika
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Directions
- To begin, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Don’t forget to reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining it! This extra water will help make the sauce creamy and smooth. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken by cutting it into thin strips. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and toss it to coat evenly. Next, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and stir-fry it for 5 minutes until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Now, for the sauce, in the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely sliced onions and sauté for about 1 minute until they soften. Then, stir in the garlic paste and cook for another minute. Add the tomato purée and cook for another minute, followed by the sliced peppers, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook for a further minute. Add the chicken back into the pan and mix to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the double cream along with 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes until it thickens and becomes nice and creamy. Now, add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir gently to coat it in the sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add the remaining pasta water. Remove the pan from the heat. To serve, sprinkle fresh parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and a pinch of red chilli flakes on top for a little extra flavor and color. Your creamy Cajun chicken pasta is now ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Water: Remember to save some pasta water before draining! This starchy water helps create a creamy sauce and helps it stick to the pasta.
- Chicken Cooking Time: Stir-fry the chicken for around 5 minutes or until it’s fully cooked. Don’t overcook it, or it may become dry.
- Creamy Sauce: When adding the double cream, make sure the heat is on low to prevent it from curdling. Simmer gently for a rich, creamy texture.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, you can always add the second cup of reserved pasta water to get it to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a well-rounded meal. A glass of white wine or iced tea will complement the flavors perfectly.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices like paprika, garlic, and oregano? It’s a staple in Southern cooking and adds a bold, spicy kick to any dish. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this pasta so irresistible!
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect mid-week meal when you’re craving something flavorful, easy, and quick to make. With bold Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor. What’s not to love? Try it out, and I promise this will become one of your go-to recipes!
