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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning These main ingredients are the heart of your dish. The chicken gives protein and richness. Fettuccine pasta provides a lovely base. Cajun seasoning adds spice and character. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced The sauce needs these vegetables for flavor and texture. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and veggies. Onion and garlic add a sweet aroma. Bell pepper gives a crunch and color. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves These creamy components create the sauce's richness. Heavy cream makes it smooth and luscious. Chicken broth adds depth and flavor. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Spinach gives a fresh touch and vibrant color. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to boil fettuccine Boil a large pot of salted water. When it boils, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Tips for perfect pasta - Use enough water; it helps the pasta cook evenly. - Salt the water well for flavor. - Don’t rinse the pasta; it will wash away the starch that helps the sauce stick. Marinating chicken with Cajun seasoning Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Toss the chicken well to coat it evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Cooking chicken in olive oil Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally until it is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Sautéing onion and bell pepper In the same skillet, add diced onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute while stirring often. Bringing the sauce to the right consistency Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything to mix well. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce should become creamy and smooth, perfect for coating the pasta. To make the best Cajun seasoning, mix these spices: - 1 tablespoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste You can adjust the spice levels. Use less cayenne for a milder taste. If you love heat, add more cayenne or some hot sauce. If you need gluten-free pasta, use rice pasta. It cooks well and tastes great. For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a nice flavor! You can also swap veggies to fit your taste. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli. These add color and nutrition. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve the pasta in large bowls or on plates. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To achieve al dente pasta, always test it a minute or two before the package instructions suggest. It should be firm to the bite but not hard. Seasoning the Chicken: For a deeper flavor, let the seasoned chicken sit for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat better. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce while it's simmering. Fresh Spinach Substitute: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the chicken for shrimp. Just sauté the shrimp in olive oil. Cook them until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a sweet and savory flavor to your dish. For a vegetarian option, try using diced tofu or chickpeas. These protein options absorb the Cajun flavor well. They blend nicely with the creamy sauce too. While fettuccine is great, you can use other pasta types. Penne, spaghetti, or even rigatoni work well. Choose what you love best! If you want a low-carb option, zucchini noodles are fantastic. They add a fresh taste and cut down on carbs. Just sauté them for a few minutes before adding to the sauce. Feel free to add different spices or sauces. A splash of hot sauce can spice things up! You can also add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Incorporating seasonal veggies makes this dish even better. Try adding asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting all year round. To store your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, first let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that is not too big, as excess air can spoil your pasta. - Refrigeration tips: Store the pasta in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it sealed to avoid drying out. - Freezing cooked pasta: You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date, so you remember when you made it. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. You want to keep that creamy texture. - Best methods to retain creaminess: The microwave works well, but add a splash of cream or broth. This helps keep it moist. You can also heat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. - Duration for reheating: In the microwave, heat for about 2-3 minutes. If using a skillet, it may take around 5-7 minutes. Knowing how long your pasta lasts is important to avoid waste. - How long does it last in the fridge?: In the fridge, the pasta can stay fresh for up to 3 days. - Signs pasta has gone bad: If you see mold or it smells sour, it’s time to toss it. Also, if the cream seems separated or grainy, do not eat it. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices. It usually includes: - Paprika - Cayenne pepper - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Oregano - Thyme - Black pepper - Salt These spices give Cajun dishes a warm, spicy flavor. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne. Making your own blend at home is fun and easy! Yes, you can make this creamy pasta dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and chicken, then cool them down. - Store them in separate containers in the fridge. - Mix the sauce and veggies, and store them too. - When you’re ready to eat, combine everything and warm it up. This way, you save time and still enjoy a fresh meal! Absolutely! This recipe works great for meal prep. Here are some best practices: - Use airtight containers to keep the pasta fresh. - Portion out servings to make it easy to grab. - You can freeze the dish if you want to keep it longer. - Just remember to reheat gently to keep the creaminess. Meal prepping helps you enjoy delicious food all week long! This blog post gave you a clear path to making a delicious creamy Cajun chicken pasta. You learned about essential ingredients like chicken, pasta, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and a few tips to help you get it just right. There are many ways to adjust the dish for your taste. Try new ingredients and methods to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress your friends and family with a tasty meal!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun seasoned chicken, vegetables, and a rich sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (red or green)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are warmed through.
  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, gently tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Divide the creamy Cajun chicken pasta among plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Keyword cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta