Firecracker Cajun Chicken And Pasta Skillet

You’ve got to try this Firecracker Cajun Chicken and Pasta Skillet. It’s spicy, bold, and bursting with flavors that really wake up your taste buds. Honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want dinner with a little extra kick!

If you’re craving something quick, hearty, and full of Cajun spice, this recipe is perfect. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making it easy and fast without losing any of that firecracker flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to spice up your weeknight meals.

I’m excited for you to try it and feel the heat in every bite. Ready to get cooking?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Spicy and Flavorful: The Cajun spices deliver a nice kick balanced by creamy sauce.
• One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
• Quick to Make: Ready in about an hour, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: Keeps well in the fridge for easy next-day meals.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Difficulty:
Easy for beginners, but rewarding for experienced cooks too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet (12-inch recommended) with lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Medium bowl

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful, spicy chicken pasta skillet:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Variations for Firecracker Cajun Chicken And Pasta Skillet

• Add More Veggies: Throw in some sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Use Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook shrimp just until pink.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Extra Heat: Add cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to spice things up even more.
• Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end for a cheesy pasta skillet.

How to Make Firecracker Cajun Chicken And Pasta Skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and red bell pepper finely. Mince the garlic cloves. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fast.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for another 1 minute to release the flavors.

4. Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice and chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta directly to the skillet. Cover and cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Stir in the Cream and Chicken

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together. Let it heat through for about 3-5 minutes.

6. Final Seasoning

Taste your dish and add salt, black pepper, or more Cajun seasoning as needed. If you prefer it spicier, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added here.

How to Serve Firecracker Cajun Chicken And Pasta Skillet

Serve this dish hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh bite. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright contrast to the spicy cream sauce.

Storing Firecracker Cajun Chicken And Pasta Skillet

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave to keep the cream sauce from breaking. Stir occasionally while reheating.
• Freeze: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly. Reheat slowly to help it regain its creaminess.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use chicken breasts that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
• Let the skillet rest a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)
Calories	450
Protein	35g
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	5g
Sodium	600mg

Firecracker Cajun Chicken And Pasta Skillet FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni works well.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It has moderate heat from the Cajun seasoning. Adjust by adding more or less seasoning.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook the chicken and prep the vegetables ahead. Combine and finish cooking when ready to serve.

Conclusion

I’ve used these ingredients to make a rich, spicy, and creamy Firecracker Cajun Chicken And Pasta Skillet that’s simple yet full of flavor. This one-pan meal brings together tender chicken, bold spices, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect choice when you want a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to please. Give it a try for your next dinner!