Spicy Cajun Chicken Pesto
A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish featuring spicy seasoned chicken, alfredo and pesto sauces, perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet with a small amount of canola oil, cook the chicken pieces or strips, adding Cajun spices while cooking.
- In a bowl, mix the alfredo sauce and pesto sauce together.
- Cook the mostaccioli noodles according to package instructions.
- Combine the cooked chicken, noodles, and sauce mixture in a large pan and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the alfredo and pesto mixture. If you don’t have Cajun spices, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne can work as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Cajun Chicken Pesto is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a side salad or garlic bread. It also pairs beautifully with a light white wine. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a dish like Savory Sausage And Rice Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to keep the sauce creamy. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Cajun Chicken Pesto contains roughly 401 calories, with 12g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 780mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, cook the noodles and combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What type of noodles can I use instead of mostaccioli?
You can substitute mostaccioli with penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if desired. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, seasoned with Cajun spices for added flavor.
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).