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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender, Cajun-spiced chicken with al dente pasta smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce. This comforting, flavorful dish is quick to prepare and customizable to your preferred spice level and dietary needs, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra as needed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and evenly coat them with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter and olive oil. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into strips.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  4. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a low simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with a pinch of salt and pepper. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water until it reaches desired consistency.
  5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken strips into the skillet. Gently toss everything so the creamy sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor, as store-bought blends can lose potency.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and maintain silky texture.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent cream from curdling or separating.
  • Finish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/