Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 3 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients are key to the flavor of this dish. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender meat. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. I choose olive oil for cooking because it has a nice flavor and is healthy. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Dairy adds creaminess and richness. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and thick. Chicken broth gives the dish depth and flavor. I top it off with Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory finish. - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced I love adding bell pepper for a crunchy texture and sweetness. Garlic brings a strong, aromatic flavor to the dish. Together, they balance the spicy Cajun seasoning. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a large pot. Fill it with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or linguine. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. It should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them thin. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Make sure each piece is coated well. Next, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. To get the best taste, adjust the Cajun seasoning. Start with two tablespoons, then taste. If you want more heat, add a pinch more. Use salt and pepper to balance the flavors. A little salt can make the dish pop. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir well to combine. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. You want it creamy but not too heavy. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. The crunch of a salad complements the creamy pasta. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness to your plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and bell peppers will enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more aromatic and vibrant. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a minute after cooking helps the sauce thicken, creating a creamier texture. Garnish for Presentation: Adding fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Just sauté it like you do with chicken. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then season it with Cajun spice. Cook it until golden. Both options keep the dish tasty and fun. Try different types of pasta for this dish. Gluten-free pasta works well if you need it. Options like rice noodles or chickpea pasta can be great too. You can also experiment with shapes. Fettuccine and linguine are classic, but penne or rotini can add a fun twist. If you want a low-carb version, use zucchini noodles. They soak up the flavor and taste great. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. It will give a different vibe but still keep it creamy. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. After you enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it up. Leftovers can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Enjoy your meal again! Fettuccine or linguine works best for Cajun chicken pasta. These shapes hold the sauce well. You can also try penne or rotini for a fun twist. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to eat. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to three days. To add more heat, use extra Cajun seasoning. You can also add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you like a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken can save you time. Just warm it up in the skillet before adding it to the sauce. This way, you still get great flavor without the extra cooking time. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge. Just divide it into portions for easy lunches or dinners. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. This blog post detailed how to create a delicious Cajun chicken pasta. We explored the main ingredients, from chicken to Cajun seasoning and olive oil. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta and making the creamy sauce. We also covered helpful tips, variations, and storage info to keep your dish fresh. In closing, this recipe is flexible and tasty. Enjoy your cooking and get creative as you try different flavors!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun seasoned chicken and vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and then add the minced garlic and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for around 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to thicken, if desired. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword cajun, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta