Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and penne pasta in a rich plant-based cheese and heavy cream sauce, enhanced with vibrant Cajun spices and natural gelling agent for a smooth, luscious texture. This comforting Southern-inspired dish offers bold flavors and a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Set both aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until translucent. Stir in Cajun seasoning, then add the heavy cream (plant-based), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Simmer gently while whisking to achieve a thick and creamy sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken and turkey bacon to the sauce, stirring to combine and let them soak up the flavors. Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese over and allow it to melt into the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for enhanced flavor.
- Cook pasta to al dente to maintain texture and sauce absorption.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
- Allow the dish to rest off heat for a few minutes to meld flavors and thicken sauce.
- Adjust spice level gradually to balance heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, Southern pasta, spicy pasta, gluten-free pasta dish
