Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: Looking for a delicious Cajun chicken pasta recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with rotisserie chicken and rotini pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is packed with bold Cajun seasoning, rich cream, and tangy Parmesan cheese. If you’re craving a spicy chicken pasta dish, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds with its creamy sauce, making it a hit for your family or dinner guests. Plus, it’s customizable to fit your dietary preferences!
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines the smoky, bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with a creamy, rich sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is made with shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked rotini pasta, and a creamy blend of milk, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick, easy, and full of vibrant flavors that will have your family coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 oz rotini pasta, cooked
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or fat-free half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Shred the rotisserie chicken and place it in a zip-lock bag. Add 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, seal the bag, and shake it to evenly coat the chicken with seasoning.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Make the sauce: In the same pot, add milk, heavy cream, scallions, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Combine: Once the sauce has come together, add the seasoned chicken to the pot and stir until well combined.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild Cajun blend.
- Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little extra milk or cream to keep it creamy.
- Use pasta variations: Swap rotini for penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape.
Variations and Substitutions:
- For a lighter version: Use fat-free half-and-half and low-fat milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian take on this dish.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese to make the recipe completely dairy-free.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use shredded frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it before adding the Cajun seasoning.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Simply swap out the rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Cajun Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy & flavorful: The combination of Cajun seasoning and creamy sauce adds bold and rich flavors.
- Versatile: Easily customizable for different dietary preferences, like gluten-free or dairy-free.
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort and spice, with an irresistible creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken and pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish is sure to impress!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
4
servings10
minutes10
minutesIngredients
1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded
8 oz rotini pasta, cooked
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 scallions, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream (or fat-free half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup low-fat milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Shred the rotisserie chicken and place it in a zip-lock bag. Add 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, seal the bag, and shake it to evenly coat the chicken with seasoning.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Make the sauce: In the same pot, add milk, heavy cream, scallions, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Combine: Once the sauce has come together, add the seasoned chicken to the pot and stir until well combined.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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