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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Lightened Up - Big Flavor, Better-for-You Comfort Food

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Pasta: 8 oz whole-wheat penne or rotini (or regular pasta)
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 small yellow onion, 2 cups baby spinach, 2 cloves garlic
  • Dairy: 3/4 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • Broth: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Cheese (optional but recommended): 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Fats: 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Acid and garnish: 1 lemon, fresh parsley or green onions
  • Cajun seasoning: Store-bought or homemade (see below)
  • Pantry staples: Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if boosting store blend), cornstarch (optional thickener)

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Mix the Cajun rub: If using store-bought, taste it first. For homemade, combine 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (to taste), 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat dry and slice into thin strips. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1–1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning to coat.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  5. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Add sliced onion and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly charred. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  6. Build the lighter sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Stir in milk and 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Simmer 2 minutes to warm through.
  7. Thicken gently: If you want a silkier sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the skillet. Simmer 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  8. Finish creamy (off heat): Turn off the heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until smooth. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun heat.
  9. Combine: Add cooked pasta, spinach, and the chicken (plus any juices) to the skillet. Toss until spinach wilts and everything is coated. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  10. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley or green onions and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve hot with lemon wedges.