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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Discover the bold flavors and comforting warmth of Cajun Chicken Pasta, perfect for quick dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces penne pasta Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Protein
  • 2 pieces boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips Substitute with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Seasoning & Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste, store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Or buttery goodness, if you prefer.
Vegetables
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced Adds sweetness and color.
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, sliced For that delightful crunch.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped The aromatic base.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Because you can never have too much garlic.
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
  • to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
  2. In a bowl, coat the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-covered in the aromatic blend.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently, thickening slightly. Optionally, add a splash of reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
  4. Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

This dish is perfect for serving fresh, but ingredients can be prepped in advance. For variations, consider using whole grain pasta, shrimp, or making it vegetarian with mushrooms.