Description
Cajun chicken pasta brings spicy Southern comfort to your dinner table. Creamy, zesty noodles loaded with tender chicken create a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sear seasoned chicken in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat until golden and caramelized, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce colorful bell peppers and aromatic garlic, sautéing until vegetables become tender and release their vibrant flavors.
- Stream in rich chicken broth and velvety heavy cream, elevating the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
- Gently fold pasta into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to a soft simmer and allowing the ingredients to meld together, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a silky and indulgent finish that coats each pasta strand.
- Calibrate seasoning with a delicate balance of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the surface for a bright, herbaceous garnish that adds visual appeal and a touch of freshness.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
- Reduce heavy cream and replace half with low-fat milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
- Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning amount or using mild versions for sensitive palates.
- Add extra protein like shrimp or sausage to transform the dish and create more variety in your meal rotation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg