Description
A rich and spicy pasta dish made with tender chicken, shell pasta, and a luscious Cajun-seasoned cream sauce that brings bold Southern flavor to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Add garlic and butter to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add diced tomatoes and spinach, if using, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
- Can substitute shrimp or sausage for chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg