Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for Two (Under $10!)
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen table without the restaurant price tag. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and wilted spinach come together over pasta for a dinner that feels indulgent but costs less than $10 for two full servings. It’s the perfect date-night-in recipe or a satisfying weeknight meal you can make in about 30 minutes with one skillet and one pot. The Cajun seasoning gives it just the right amount of warmth without being overpowering, and the sauce comes together so easily you’ll want to make it on repeat. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete, budget-friendly meal for two.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Season the sliced chicken with half of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the cream and parmesan, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, tossing to coat everything in sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, divide between two plates, and serve hot.
Notes
Buy chicken breasts in a family pack and freeze the extra portions individually — this keeps the per-meal protein cost low for future Two Plates, One Budget dinners.
