Description
Creamy cajun chicken pasta brings southern spice and comfort to your dinner table with bold flavors dancing through tender pasta. Rich with zesty seasonings and smooth sauce, this dish delivers a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup chicken broth
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare seasoned chicken by generously coating strips with Cajun spice blend. Sear protein in heated olive oil until exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches safe cooking point, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Utilize identical skillet to caramelize diced bell peppers and minced garlic, creating aromatic foundation for sauce. Sauté vegetables until edges become slightly translucent and fragrant.
- Transform skillet into sauce creation zone by introducing heavy cream, rich chicken broth, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Gently simmer mixture, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Simultaneously cook pasta in separate pot according to package guidelines. Ensure noodles reach al dente texture, then drain thoroughly, preserving slight moisture.
- Merge all components by introducing seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and grated Parmesan into simmering sauce. Delicately toss ingredients, guaranteeing comprehensive coating and flavor integration. Adjust seasoning with salt and cracked pepper as needed.
- Elevate dish presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese garnish. Serve immediately while sauce remains luxuriously warm and creamy.
Notes
- Spice Variation: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount based on personal heat preference, ensuring a balanced flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
- Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the recipe’s creamy Cajun essence.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance nutritional value and add extra texture to the pasta.
- Cream Substitution: Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that still delivers a rich, velvety sauce without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg