why make this recipe
Making Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta at home is a great way to enjoy a restaurant favorite without leaving your kitchen. This creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish brings the taste of Chili’s to your table. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients!
how to make Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp white onion, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- â…“ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 diced Roma tomato (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Brown the chicken in a skillet with butter over medium heat for about 6 minutes total. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion in the melted butter for one minute.
- Add the half-and-half and season with salt and pepper. Simmer this mixture for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, and then serve topped with sliced chicken, diced tomato, and parsley.
how to serve Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve your Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, right from the skillet. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top, along with the diced tomato and chopped parsley, adds a nice touch. You can enjoy it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or more half-and-half to bring back the creaminess.
tips to make Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to season your chicken well with Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spiciness by using more or less Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best results, especially the garlic and parsley.
- Don’t forget to stir the spaghetti into the sauce so that every bite is flavorful.
variation
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a lighter version, try using whole grain or zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute. Also, consider using vegetable broth instead of half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine them with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a restaurant favorite at home with this creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp white onion, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- â…“ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 diced Roma tomato (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Brown the chicken in a skillet with butter over medium heat for about 6 minutes total. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion in the melted butter for one minute.
- Add the half-and-half and season with salt and pepper. Simmer this mixture for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, and then serve topped with sliced chicken, diced tomato, and parsley.
Notes
Adjust the spiciness by using more or less Cajun seasoning according to your taste. Use fresh ingredients for optimal results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
