Why Make This Recipe
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings bold flavors and a touch of spice straight to your dinner table. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and colorful vegetables all over pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make!
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 cup onion (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served hot. Plate the pasta and sauce generously, making sure to include slices of chicken and colorful vegetables. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cajun Chicken Pasta
To store leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just ensure to keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
Tips to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition!
Variation
Feel free to switch up the proteins in this dish. Shrimp or sausage can be great alternatives to chicken. You can also add different types of pasta if you prefer something other than fettuccine or penne.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just cook it according to the package instructions.
2. Is Cajun Chicken Pasta spicy?
It has a bit of spice from the Cajun seasoning, but you can control the amount to suit your taste.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and heat just before serving.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 Onion medium, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Red bell pepper chopped
- 1 Green bell pepper chopped
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Chop onion and bell peppers, and mince garlic.
Cook Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Cook Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make Sauce
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.