Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese in a luscious sauce brightened with apple cider vinegar. This dish offers a bold, spicy, and smoky flavor with a creamy texture, perfect for quick and indulgent weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 slices smoked turkey bacon
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

Seasonings and Aromatics

2 tsp Cajun seasoning (natural)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
1 cup heavy cream alternative
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chicken pieces over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
Build the Flavor Base: Add chopped garlic and onion to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, creating a savory foundation for the sauce.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream alternative, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring in the plant-based cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken and become luscious thanks to the natural gelling agent.
Combine and Finish: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and chicken. Chop the crispy smoked turkey bacon and add it back to the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors at their best.

Notes

Use freshly ground Cajun seasoning for brighter and more vibrant flavor.
Choose thick pasta like fettuccine or penne to hold the sauce well.
Monitor chicken closely to keep it juicy and tender, avoid overcooking.
Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation.
Add smoked turkey bacon last to retain its crispy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, spicy pasta