Description
A delicious and easy-to-make macro-friendly Cajun chicken pasta recipe that’s perfect for a healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fat-free milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in fat-free milk and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine, ensuring everything is coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- If you don’t have fat-free milk, you can use skim milk or half-and-half for a richer sauce, but it will affect the macros.
- Ensure your Cajun seasoning is low in sodium if you are watching your sodium intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American