Description
This easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines bold Cajun spices, smoky smoked turkey bacon, tender chicken breast, and a luscious plant-based cheese sauce for a rich, comforting, and flavorful meal. Ready in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients, this one-pot dish offers creamy texture and smoky depth perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat
- 8 oz smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, rigatoni or gluten-free options)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cream
- 1 cup plant-based cream
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Natural gelling agent, optional (to thicken sauce)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Chop the chicken breast into strips or cubes. Dice the bell peppers and onions, then mince the garlic. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and fragrant. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Using the same skillet with remaining drippings, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until sealed and no longer pink inside, allowing the spices to form a savory crust.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based cream, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Gradually add the plant-based cheese, stirring gently to melt it smoothly into the sauce. Let the sauce thicken slightly, optionally using a natural gelling agent.
- Combine Pasta and Finish the Dish: Return the drained pasta and crisp smoked turkey bacon to the skillet. Toss everything to evenly coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for more intense flavor.
- Aim to cook pasta until al dente to help it hold the sauce well.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent separation.
- Taste and adjust seasoning during cooking to your preference.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, smoked turkey bacon pasta, plant-based cheese recipe, quick weeknight dinner, dairy-free pasta, gluten-free pasta
