Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken Pasta—If you are looking for an easy Ninja Speedi recipe, look no further than this simple pasta dish. Made in minutes, it will have your family coming back for seconds!

This is a fabulous recipe, and by using your Ninja Speedi, you can save so much time since everything cooks in one pot! Easy to make and easy clean-up!

If you love easy Ninja Speedi Recipes, try my recipe for ninja speedi turkey breast, ninja speedi stuffing, ninja speedi teriyaki chicken, or ninja speedi spaghetti and meatballs.

Why You’ll Love Making Cajun Chicken Pasta In Ninja Speedi!

You’ll love making Cajun Chicken Pasta in the Ninja Speedi for several reasons:

• Efficiency: The Ninja Speedi offers rapid cooking times, allowing you to prepare this flavorful dish quickly without sacrificing taste or quality.
• Versatility: The Ninja Speedi’s multiple cooking functions allow you to easily sauté the Cajun-seasoned chicken, cook the pasta, and prepare the creamy sauce in one appliance, minimizing cleanup and hassle.
• Even Cooking: The Ninja Speedi ensures even cooking and heat distribution, ensuring that the Cajun spices penetrate the chicken and infuse every bite with bold flavor.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the Ninja Speedi’s temperature settings to control the spiciness of your Cajun Chicken Pasta, catering to your taste preferences.
• One-Pot Convenience: Enjoy the convenience of cooking everything in one pot, from searing the chicken to simmering the sauce, resulting in a deliciously cohesive dish with minimal cleanup.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: Impress your family and friends with restaurant-quality Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s bursting with flavor and texture, all thanks to the convenience and precision of the Ninja Speedi.

Making Cajun Chicken Pasta in the Ninja Speedi promises a hassle-free cooking experience with outstanding results, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with loved ones.

Ingredients Needed For Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken Pasta

You can make this delicious meal right in your Ninja Speedi with a few simple ingredients.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy chicken breast, thinly sliced, is the protein star of this dish, absorbing the flavorful Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and herbs like thyme and oregano, adds bold flavor and a hint of heat to the chicken.
• Spaghetti: Spaghetti or linguine pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, providing a satisfying bite in every forkful.
• Garlic: Minced garlic lends aromatic depth and savory flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile of the Cajun Chicken Pasta.
• Onion: Diced onion provides a savory-sweet base flavor and adds texture to the dish, enhancing its complexity.
• Mushrooms: Use fresh or canned mushrooms.
• Alfredo Sauce: The creamy sauce will give this dish a lot of flavor. Use homemade or store-bought. You can also use chicken broth or chicken stock.
• Smoked Sausage: Perfect for cajun flavors!
• Shrimp: Whole shrimp, fresh or frozen, perfect for added flavor and protein.

How To Make Cajun Chicken Pasta In Ninja Speedi

Here are the step-by-step directions for making cajun chicken pasta in the Ninja Speedi.

Combine spaghetti, onion, mushrooms, Alfredo sauce, reserved mushroom liquid, chicken stock (or additional Alfredo sauce), Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic in the Ninja Speedi. Cook on the Speedi Meals setting at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Place the crisper tray on top, then arrange the diced chicken (cut into 1-inch pieces), smoked sausage, and shrimp.

Continue cooking for 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit using the Ninja Speedi Meals function. Remember to mix frequently throughout the cooking process.

Remove the crisper lid, and place all the protein into the spaghetti mixture. Mix well before serving.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few recipe variations for Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken Pasta:

• Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté them with Cajun seasoning for a flavorful vegetarian version.
• Seafood Edition: For a Cajun seafood pasta, substitute chicken with crab meat. Sauté the seafood with Cajun seasoning until cooked, then mix it into the pasta.
• Creamy Cajun Pasta: Create a creamy sauce by adding heavy cream or coconut cream to the pasta along with Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly before serving.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
• Cheesy Cajun Pasta: During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, over the pasta. Allow it to melt and create a delicious cheesy topping.
• Healthy Twist: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a more nutritious option. Add in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
• Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the dish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or green onions.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables according to your preference. Asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli can be great additions to this dish.
• Nutty Flavor: Toast some pine nuts or almonds and sprinkle them over the pasta for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add a pop of freshness by stirring in some lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice just before serving. It will brighten up the flavors of the dish.

Experiment with these variations to create your unique twist on Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips for making Ninja Speedi Cajun Chicken Pasta:

• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop all your vegetables and chicken beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
• Evenly Coat Chicken: Evenly coat the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor.
• Use High-Quality Cajun Seasoning: For the best flavor profile, use a good-quality Cajun seasoning blend or make your own.
• Adjust Spice Level: Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness, so taste as you go and adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Watch the pasta and cook it until it’s al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and affect the texture of the dish.
• Deglaze Pan: After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to loosen any browned bits and incorporate that flavor into the sauce.
• Add Creaminess: If you’re going for a creamy sauce, add the cream towards the end of cooking and let it simmer gently to thicken.
• Balance Flavors: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For added flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the finished dish.
• Serve Immediately: Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served hot and fresh. Serve it immediately to enjoy the flavors at their peak.

Faq’s

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use thawed chicken even when cooking. However, if you’re in a rush, you can use thinly sliced frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While traditional Cajun Chicken Pasta uses linguine, you can use any pasta shape, such as penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together? Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from clumping together. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water to help keep the pasta separate.

Can I make this dish vegetarian? You can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian-friendly.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning? You can make your own Cajun seasoning blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice levels to your taste.

How long does it take to cook the chicken? Chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or until it’s no longer pink in the center. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble the dish just before serving. Reheat gently to prevent the pasta from drying out.

How can I make it spicier? Increase the Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta? Garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are great options to serve alongside Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

More Ninja Speedi Recipes

• ninja speedi turkey and stuffing
• ninja speedi spaghetti and meatballs
• ninja speedi teriyaki chicken

Equipment Used

• Ninja SF301 Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer, 6-Quart Capacity, 12-in-1 Functions to Steam, Bake, Roast, Sear, Sauté, Slow Cook, Sous Vide & More, 15-Minute Speedi Meals All In One Pot, Sea Salt Gray