Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Cajun Chicken Pasta ticks ALL the boxes: quick, easy, delicious and slimming friendly! A simple chicken pasta recipe that the whole family will love - on the table in under 30 minutes.
Servings: 4
Calories: 494kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning . adjust depending on spice levels
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 pound (450) skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 onion , diced
- 15 oz (400g) canned tomatoes crushed tomatoes in their juice
- 1 cup (200g) butternut squash cut into small cubes
- 8 oz (225g) dried penne pasta or similar pasta shapes
- 2 ½ cups (625ml) chicken stock using a stock cube or canned
- 3 tbsp light cream cheese or cream cheese / heavy cream
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese plus extra to serve
- Small bunch fresh basil , chopped
- Salt and pepper to season to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and put in a bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic granules and salt and mix together.2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 2 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 pound (450) skinless chicken breasts , ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Spray a large non-stick lidded pan with low calorie cooking spray. Add the chicken and pan fry over medium-high heat until lightly colored. The chicken doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through at this point.
- Add the minced garlic and onions to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes.3 cloves garlic, 1 onion
- Add the butternut squash and chopped tomatoes, stirring to combine.1 cup (200g) butternut squash , 15 oz (400g) canned tomatoes
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.2 ½ cups (625ml) chicken stock
- Add the pasta and partially cover the pan, bringing to a boil.
- Set a timer for 12 minutes (or however long your pasta needs to cook) and continue to cook, stirring every couple of minutes. Cook until the pasta is cooked and liquid is slightly reduced. Check the squash is cooked through as well.8 oz (225g) dried penne pasta
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese. Add the grated Parmesan and basil and stir to combine.3 tbsp light cream cheese, 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, Small bunch fresh basil
- Check the seasoning and add salt (if needed) and freshly ground pepper and serve.Salt and pepper to season
Video
Notes
Turn this recipe into a Chicken Pasta Bake
A great way to use up leftovers - if you happen to have any… Preheat the oven to 190C/375F. Put the leftovers in a ceramic ovenproof dish, adding a little water or chicken stock.
Top with a little extra grated cheese - such as reduced fat mozzarella or cheddar and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and pasta is heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 845mg | Potassium: 1263mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 6141IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 3mg
