Description
Creamy cajun chicken pasta delivers a spicy Southern symphony of flavors dancing across your plate. Rich with bold Cajun spices and silky sauce, this dish promises a culinary journey you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Infuse chicken strips with robust Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the zesty spice blend.
- Sear seasoned chicken in a sizzling skillet with olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior while maintaining tender, juicy meat. Transfer chicken to a holding plate once perfectly cooked.
- Utilize the same skillet to capture residual flavors, sautéing vibrant bell peppers and aromatic garlic until peppers become slightly translucent and fragrant.
- Craft a luxurious sauce by introducing heavy cream, chicken broth, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, creating a velvety, rich base that will envelop the pasta and protein.
- Simultaneously prepare pasta in a separate pot, cooking until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain carefully, preserving the pasta’s perfect consistency.
- Merge the culinary components by reuniting the seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and creamy sauce in the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, gently tossing to ensure each element is generously coated with the spicy, creamy sauce.
- Elevate the dish’s presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the pasta remains steaming and the sauce retains its silky smoothness.
Notes
- Select a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend for maximum flavor depth and authentic spice profile.
- Slice chicken into uniform strips to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior when sautéing.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent sauce from burning and distribute heat evenly during cooking.
- Choose short pasta like penne or rotini to help sauce cling better and create more balanced bites.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for richer, more complex flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Keep extra chicken broth nearby to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick during simmering.
- Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning quantity for sensitive palates or heat preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- Consider adding protein-packed extras like shrimp or andouille sausage for more traditional Cajun flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg