Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken seasoned with natural Cajun seasoning, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and luscious plant-based cheese folded into perfectly cooked pasta. This dish offers a harmonious balance of heat, richness, and texture with a creamy plant-based sauce that satisfies any craving, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves (natural extract), minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tbsp natural Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Dairy Alternatives
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 1/2 cup natural chicken broth
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips for even cooking, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, cut smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces, and shred the plant-based cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté Chicken and Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add chicken strips seasoned with natural Cajun seasoning and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Add chopped onions and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Pour in plant-based heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and remaining Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently to develop flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return cooked bacon and chicken to the pan. Stir in plant-based cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat evenly. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
Notes
- Pound chicken pieces to uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Season generously with natural Cajun seasoning to maximize flavor.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if it thickens too much.
- Choose fresh garlic and high-quality plant-based cheese for best results.
- Keep pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after mixing with sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, Cajun seasoning, comfort food, easy dinner
