Description
A creamy, spicy, high-protein pasta dish that satisfies cravings without wrecking your macros. Perfect for meal prep or a balanced family dinner, this lightened-up Cajun Chicken Pasta combines bold flavors, lean protein, and a silky sauce made with Greek yogurt and almond milk.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225 g) whole wheat or protein pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
¾ cup (180 g) nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp light cream cheese (optional)
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Cajun seasoning or red chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Season chicken with Cajun spice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook pasta until al dente, reserve ¼ cup pasta water, and drain.
Step 3: Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté onions and peppers 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
Step 5: Whisk almond milk, yogurt, and cream cheese. Add to skillet with vegetables. Season and stir until thickened. Add pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add Parmesan if using.
Step 7: Garnish with parsley or chili flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh Cajun seasoning for better flavor control.
Don’t overcook chicken; remove once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Add a splash of milk when reheating for creaminess.
Adjust spice with hot sauce or lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Macro-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta, Healthy Cajun Pasta, High Protein Dinner, Low Fat Pasta, Fitness Meal Prep