Dairy Free Classic Cajun Chicken Pasta

Total time45 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time30 min

Smoky, well-seasoned chicken strips take center stage here, coated in a bold blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and thyme before getting seared until juicy and lightly charred. Bell peppers cook down into sweet, tender ribbons alongside garlic and that same fiery spice mix, then diced tomatoes and broth build a deeply flavorful base for the sauce. Everything gets tossed with al dente penne until each bite is glossy and well-coated, with a splash of reserved pasta water helping the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles. A scatter of fresh parsley at the end brightens the whole dish and makes it look as good as it tastes. It's a hearty, satisfying dinner with real Cajun kick, and it fits neatly into a dairy free rotation. Great for a weeknight table where everyone wants big flavor without a lot of fuss.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the Cajun spice blend

2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt

For the chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large), sliced into ½-inch strips
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Filippo Berio Olive Oil 25.3 fl oz Filippo Berio Olive Oil 50.7 fl oz Bertolli Cooking Olive Oil 50.72 oz Pompeian Olive Oil Classic Mediterranean - 16 Fl. Oz.Vigo® 100% Pure Olive Oil
See all

For the pasta

12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp salt

For the sauce

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup heavy cream
Chef's tip
Use unsweetened dairy-free heavy cream in cooked sauces, soups, and ganache. For whipped uses, choose a product labeled whippable.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Chef's tip
Choose a grated-style vegan parmesan and use the same amount.

For serving

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
2
Place the chicken strips in a bowl and toss with half the spice blend (about 2 tsp) until evenly coated on all sides.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!