Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Creamy Bell Pepper Penne)
Bold Cajun Chicken Pasta in 25 minutes. Blackened sliced chicken breasts tossed with penne pasta, bell peppers, and a creamy spicy Cajun garlic sauce.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Ready in just 15 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
- ✓Delivers 42g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
- ✓Portion-balanced at 510 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
- ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
The Story
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Creamy Bell Pepper Penne)
Executive Summary & Quick Highlights
• Servings: 4 portions | Calories: 510 kcal
• Macros: 42g Protein, 44g Carbs, 20g Fat, 3g Fiber
• Key Culinary Secret: Blackening the Cajun-seasoned chicken strips in a hot skillet creates authentic smoky Louisiana depth!
Step-by-Step Culinary Instructions
Step 1: Blacken the Cajun Chicken
Coat chicken strips liberally in Cajun seasoning. Sear in olive oil over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Remove to a plate.Step 2: Saute Vegetables & Build Sauce
Melt butter in the pan. Saute sliced bell peppers and onions for 3 minutes. Add garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3 minutes, then stir in parmesan.Step 3: Toss Pasta & Serve
Add cooked penne pasta and blackened chicken back into the skillet. Toss until sauce coats every tube of pasta. Garnish with green onions!Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Creamy Bell Pepper Penne)
Bold Cajun Chicken Pasta in 25 minutes. Blackened sliced chicken breasts tossed with penne pasta, bell peppers, and a creamy spicy Cajun garlic sauce.
Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Turkey breast or extra-firm tofu (1:1 ratio) |
| Dino kale/greens | Baby spinach or Swiss chard (cooks faster, add at the end) |
Instructions
Blacken the Cajun Chicken: Coat chicken strips liberally in Cajun seasoning. Sear in olive oil over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Saute Vegetables & Build Sauce: Melt butter in the pan. Saute sliced bell peppers and onions for 3 minutes. Add garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 3 minutes, then stir in parmesan.
Toss Pasta & Serve: Add cooked penne pasta and blackened chicken back into the skillet. Toss until sauce coats every tube of pasta. Garnish with green onions!
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Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼
Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?▼
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Stewart Lucas
Nutritionist & Recipe DeveloperStewart Lucas is a nutritionist and recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and diet protocols published on this site are designed and audited by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy.
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