Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering Cajun Chicken Pasta Bowl with Creamy Spinach Sauce, a dish that effortlessly combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe showcases tender chicken breasts smothered in a velvety spinach sauce, complemented by al dente penne pasta. This delightful meal is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice health for flavor. Enjoy this flavorful bowl with your favorite side dishes and elevate your dining experience!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with olive oil and seasonings. Toss to coat.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until browned. Let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and mushrooms in butter and olive oil until softened. Add flour and gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in cream, cheese, salt, black pepper, and spinach; cook until wilted.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Assemble bowls with pasta topped by sliced chicken and creamy spinach sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Adjust spice levels to taste; add more cayenne for extra heat. Mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with more milk or use low-fat options.