Description
A one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta made with milk instead of heavy cream. This lighter version is packed with blackened chicken and bold spices, ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx. 6 oz each)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 Roma tomato, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with 3 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning on both sides. Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, roughly 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a cutting board to rest.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta, milk, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and the salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the pasta, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 12 to 15 minutes. The pasta should be al dente and the liquid should reduce to a creamy sauce consistency.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the chopped tomato and green onions. Toss to combine and heat through before serving.
Notes
If the sauce becomes too thick while the pasta is cooking, add a splash more broth or milk. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Resting Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 433mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 54mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, easy pasta recipe, healthy creamy pasta, one pot chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta