Description
Creamy cajun chicken pasta delivers a spicy Southern comfort with bold Louisianan flavors dancing across your palate. Rich, hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a robust meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and reserve.
- Liberally coat chicken breasts with robust Cajun spice blend, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to cutting board and slice into diagonal strips.
- In the same skillet, sauté vibrant bell peppers and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, allowing mixture to gently simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Introduce cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- Fold sliced chicken into the pasta, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and brightness. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or spicy blends to match personal heat tolerance.
- Choose gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice noodles for celiac or wheat-sensitive diners.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to create lighter, dairy-alternative versions.
- Maximize flavor by letting chicken marinate in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste penetration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 575 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg