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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken strips seasoned with bold Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and al dente pasta all coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. This flavorful and comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a delicious balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors with a touch of freshness from parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs mix)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced

Dairy & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips and generously coat them with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then sear the chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add butter and sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers until tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This creates the flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the pan with the cooked vegetables and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun spice if desired for an extra kick.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh homemade or high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; sear just until cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Adjust the spice level gradually by adding cayenne powder or hot sauce slowly.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish and balance the richness of the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta recipe, cream sauce pasta, spicy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/