Cajun Pasta And Chicken
A flavorful Cajun pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bell peppers, and a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with bold Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rotelle macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
- Brown the chicken breasts in 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the bell peppers and onions to the skillet and sauté until tender.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet.
- Stir in the flour and cook until it turns dark brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the can of whole tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens into a sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken, peppers, and onions to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked macaroni.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end. If you prefer a bit more heat, the optional red cayenne pepper can be increased to taste. You can substitute the rotelle macaroni with penne or fusilli for a different texture. To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Explore more chicken recipes for additional ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun pasta with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the rich flavors. For a more filling meal, consider adding some grated Parmesan on top or serving alongside garlic boneless chicken for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can dry out the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Pasta And Chicken contains roughly 789 calories, with 10g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rotelle macaroni with other pasta types such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when making the sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and the sauce separately, then store them in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving, and reheat as instructed. This makes it convenient for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).