Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender chicken strips seasoned with bold Cajun spices, smoky turkey bacon, and a luscious plant-based cheese sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and flavorful dish balances spice, creaminess, and smoky notes for a comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs blend)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids and Sauce Base
- 1/2 cup grape juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream or milk alternative
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese and Texture
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne, gluten-free if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and season them generously with Cajun seasoning. Chop the smoked turkey bacon, onion, garlic, and bell peppers, preparing each for sautéing. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling salted water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later, and set aside.
- Sauté the Protein and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until crisp and fragrant, then remove and set aside. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the same skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, then remove and keep warm. In the same pan, sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers until softened and aromatic.
- Create the Sauce: Pour grape juice (natural) into the skillet to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), plant-based cream, and plant-based cheese, cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Whisk in the natural gelling agent quickly to thicken the sauce to a velvety consistency.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and turkey bacon to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss all ingredients to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired silky texture is reached. Finish by sprinkling with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and freshly chopped parsley for brighter flavor.
- Cook chicken just until no longer pink to keep it juicy and tender.
- Lightly toast Cajun seasoning in the pan before cooking to deepen its flavor.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta.
- Add plant-based cheese gradually while stirring for a smooth melting sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese sauce, smoky turkey bacon, quick dinner, gluten-free pasta
