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Cajun Chicken Pasta

A warm and flavorful dish that combines spicy Cajun seasoning with tender chicken and creamy pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) The base of your dish, perfect for holding that creamy sauce.
  • 1 lb chicken breast Tender and juicy, this will absorb the spices beautifully.
Spices and Flavorings
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Homemade or store-bought; brings the signature kick.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the chicken and adding richness.
  • 1 small onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic brings vibrant aroma and flavor.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth To create the sauce, adding necessary moisture and flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste To enhance and balance all the flavors.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a rich and velvety sauce; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced Preferably red and green; provides crunch.
Garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Adds a pop of freshness!

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Preparing Chicken
  1. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breast on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
Sautéing Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Making Sauce
  1. Lower the heat and add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Continue to stir until the sauce starts to thicken.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta.
  2. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat.
  2. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

This dish refrigerates well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth. Consider whole wheat pasta for added fiber or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.