If you’ve ever dined at Chili’s and savored their Cajun Chicken Pasta, you know just how addictive that dish can be. The perfect blend of spices, creamy sauce, and succulent chicken makes for a delightful meal that leaves you wanting more. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my take on this beloved dish, featuring tender chicken breast coated in Cajun seasoning, all tossed in a luscious creamy sauce with penne pasta. Buckle up for a flavor journey with this Spicy, Creamy, Delicious: Chilis Cajun Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen. Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of spices and creamy sauce elevates simple ingredients to something truly special. Plus, it’s customizable! Adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning, or swap out the pasta for your favorite shape. It’s a winner all around!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 pound penne or bow tie pasta
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped for garnish
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan for garnish
What’s in the Gear List
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: To cook the chicken and prepare the sauce.
- Cutting board and knife: For dicing onions and tomatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in your ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce.
Spicy, Creamy, Delicious: Chilis Cajun Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe — Do This Next
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water, and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion, cooking until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the creamy sauce, tossing everything together until well coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it cook for an additional minute to heat through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot, garnishing with diced Roma tomatoes, chopped parsley, green onions, and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan on top. Enjoy your homemade Spicy, Creamy, Delicious: Chilis Cajun Chicken Pasta!
International Equivalents
- Cajun seasoning: You can find similar spice blends in Creole or Southern cuisine.
- Heavy cream: Use double cream in the UK or thickened cream in Australia.
- Pasta shapes: Bow tie pasta is known as farfalle in Italy.
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano can be used for a different flavor profile.
Cook’s Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the Cajun seasoning.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creamy texture.
Spicy, Creamy, Delicious: Chilis Cajun Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe Q&A
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free alternatives.
How spicy is this Cajun chicken pasta?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on your preference. Feel free to reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Cajun chicken pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce!
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See You at the Table
This Spicy, Creamy, Delicious: Chilis Cajun Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s bound to please both family and friends alike. Once you try this homemade version, you may never want to go back to the restaurant again! Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
Spicy, Creamy, Delicious: Chilis Cajun Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne or bow tie pasta
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)
- 3 Roma tomatoes diced for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon green onions chopped for garnish
- 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water, and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the creamy sauce, tossing together until well coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook an additional minute to heat through.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnishing with diced Roma tomatoes, chopped parsley, green onions, and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan on top. Enjoy your homemade Spicy, Creamy, Delicious: Chilis Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness level to your preference.
- Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
