Cajun Chicken Pasta

Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner? This Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice! The chicken is cooked in the air fryer, then tossed with pasta and a homemade Cajun sauce, making it a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal. Here’s the full recipe with tips, tricks, and FAQs to help you make this dish with ease!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

For the Cajun Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Pasta:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/2 pound dry pasta (penne or ziti)
• 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 ounces cream cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:
   In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well blended.
2. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Spray both sides with cooking spray, then rub the Cajun seasoning mixture onto the chicken breasts, coating them evenly.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Working in batches if needed, place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Prepare the Pasta:
   While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Make the Cajun Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato-broth mixture. Stir in the cream cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
7. Add the Chicken:
   Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine, and heat through for a minute or two.
8. Serve:
   Divide the pasta among serving plates and serve immediately. Enjoy with your favorite side dish or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

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Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Large Skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta

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Tips & Tricks

1. Adjust the Spice Level:
   If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely.
2. Make it Creamier:
   For a richer sauce, you can add an extra ounce of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
3. Add Vegetables:
   For extra veggies, try adding bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the skillet along with the onions. You can also add some mushrooms for a more earthy flavor.
4. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken:
   If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) and just heat it in the skillet with the sauce for a quicker meal.
5. Pasta Variations:
   You can substitute penne or ziti with other pasta types like rigatoni or farfalle. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before adding it to the sauce.

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Notes

• Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option. Bone-in chicken thighs can also be used; just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make the Cajun chicken and pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet before serving.
• Leftovers: Leftover Cajun chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different seasoning mix?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought Cajun seasoning if you prefer. Just use about 2-3 tablespoons of the pre-made seasoning mix, depending on your taste.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   • To make this recipe dairy-free, skip the cream cheese and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also use vegan butter for sautéing the onions.
3. Can I cook the chicken without an air fryer?
   • Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven. To pan-sear, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To bake, cook at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.
4. What other types of pasta can I use?
   • Any type of pasta will work, but penne, ziti, or rigatoni are ideal for holding the sauce. Spaghetti or fettuccine would also work if you prefer long pasta.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
   • To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.