Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas
This dish combines smoky Cajun-spiced chicken tossed in a creamy pasta sauce, topped with luxurious whipped roasted garlic feta and crunchy roasted chickpeas. It’s a comforting yet modern Mediterranean-Southern fusion that balances creaminess, spice, and texture.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta:
1 small head garlic
1 tsp olive oil
½ cup feta cheese
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crispy Chickpeas:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Roast Garlic & Make Whipped Feta
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft.
Squeeze roasted garlic into a food processor with feta, yogurt, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Make Crispy Chickpeas
Toss chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. Cook Chicken
Rub chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat 6–7 minutes per side until cooked (165°F / 74°C). Rest, then slice.
4. Cook Pasta & Sauce
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a skillet, heat olive oil/butter. Saute onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
Stir in cream, broth, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Toss pasta into sauce, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
5. Assemble the Bowl
Divide creamy Cajun pasta into bowls.
Top with sliced Cajun chicken.
Dollop with whipped roasted garlic feta.
Sprinkle crispy chickpeas on top for crunch.
Garnish with parsley or chives.
Notes & Tips
Use Greek yogurt in sauce for a lighter option.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra veggies.
The whipped feta can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—skip chicken and add extra roasted veggies or more crispy chickpeas.
Q: Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but adjust salt—some mixes are quite salty.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes—store pasta, chicken, and chickpeas separately. Add feta just before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~620
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 7g