Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas! I mean, can you even imagine? It’s a flavor explosion that transports you straight to the vibrant bayous of Louisiana. The combination of the spicy Cajun seasoning and the rich, creamy sauce is just heavenly. And don’t even get me started on the whipped roasted garlic feta—it adds this incredible depth and creaminess that just ties everything together! I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were practically licking the plates clean! It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated for that perfect melt
- 1 cup whipped roasted garlic feta (trust me, this is a game changer!)
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for crispy chickpeas and flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness
How to Prepare Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta Crispy Chickpeas
Cooking the Pasta
Let’s start with the penne pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this helps the pasta cook evenly and adds flavor. Once it’s boiling, toss in the 8 oz of penne and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want that perfect bite, so don’t overdo it! When it’s ready, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside while you work on the rest. Easy, right?
Preparing the Crispy Chickpeas
Now for the chickpeas—this part is so fun! In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (but not smoking!), add your drained and rinsed chickpeas. Season them with salt and pepper, and let them cook for about 10 minutes. You want to hear that lovely sizzle as they get nice and crispy! Give them a stir every now and then to ensure they crisp up evenly. When they’re golden brown and crunchy, remove them from the skillet and set aside. They’re going to add such a delightful texture to your dish!
Making the Cajun Chicken Sauce
In the same skillet, with all those tasty flavors left behind, add your diced chicken breast. Sprinkle in about 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning—feel free to adjust this based on how spicy you like things! Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s browned and cooked through. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where it all comes together! Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into that luscious sauce. It’s going to be so creamy and delicious!
Combining the Ingredients
Now, let’s bring it all together! Add the cooked penne pasta and the star of the show—1 cup of whipped roasted garlic feta—right into the skillet. Toss everything to combine, making sure all the pasta is coated in that dreamy, creamy sauce. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor, so don’t be shy! If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Finish it off by topping with those crispy chickpeas and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. And voila! Dinner is served!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas is not just delicious; it’s also filling! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed! Enjoying this meal while keeping an eye on your nutrition is totally doable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy texture that just melts in your mouth.
- Bold Cajun flavors that pack a punch and keep things exciting.
- Crispy chickpeas add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
- Whipped roasted garlic feta elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Great for meal prep—just make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week!
- Customizable! Adjust the spice level or swap out proteins to fit your taste.
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas turns out amazing every time! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your spice preference—start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and add more as you taste. If you want to make it a little lighter, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version. For a vegetarian option, just replace the chicken with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, and toss them in with the chickpeas. And if you’ve got any leftover roasted garlic, add it directly into the sauce for an extra punch of flavor! Lastly, don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water; it’s magic for adjusting your sauce consistency! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is how versatile it can be! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or sausage—both work beautifully with that Cajun flair. For a vegetarian twist, you can toss in some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms for a hearty bite. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different types of pasta like fusilli or farfalle for a fun texture! You can also add a splash of lemon juice or some crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the flavor a notch. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to keep everything fresh! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to warm it up gently—this helps maintain the creamy texture. You might need to add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce, as it can thicken when stored. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy every bite all over again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas, the right sides can really elevate your meal! I love pairing it with a simple side salad—something fresh and crunchy, like a Caesar or a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is another fantastic option; the buttery, crispy slices are perfect for mopping up that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, serve it alongside some grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a fun twist. Trust me, these sides will make your dinner feel like a special occasion!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with 7 Bold Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Cajun chicken pasta with whipped roasted garlic feta and crispy chickpeas.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup whipped roasted garlic feta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas and season with salt and pepper. Cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced chicken and Cajun seasoning. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and whipped roasted garlic feta to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Top with crispy chickpeas and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, roasted garlic feta, crispy chickpeas
