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Cooking flavorful meals starts with the right ingredients. For this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, gather the following: - Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips - Seasonings: 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper - Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced - Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken broth - Pasta: 8 oz fettuccine pasta - Garnish: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika These ingredients blend well to create a rich and creamy sauce that highlights the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. The chicken adds protein, while the vegetables bring freshness and crunch. The fettuccine pasta serves as a perfect base for this delicious meal. When shopping, look for high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables. The right Cajun seasoning can make a big difference in taste. You can find it in most stores, or make your own by mixing spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. With these ingredients, you are all set to make a delightful dish that impresses without causing stress. Enjoy the cooking process and the wonderful smells that fill your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the fettuccine, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta but keep a cup of pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Start with the chicken strips. Place them in a bowl and add Cajun seasoning. Mix well to coat every piece. This gives the chicken great flavor. Heat a large skillet on medium-high. Add olive oil and let it warm up. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion first. Sauté it for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add minced garlic and sliced bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. The bell pepper should be soft and fragrant. This mix adds depth to your dish. It's time for the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a spatula to scrape any tasty bits stuck to the skillet. Stir everything well and bring it to a dull simmer. Let it thicken slightly while you stir. If it's too thick, don't worry; you can fix it later. Now, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked fettuccine next. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the chicken and pasta are well-coated in the creamy sauce. Taste the dish and add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you want. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Let the dish simmer on low for 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. Once ready, take it off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Your creamy Cajun chicken pasta is now ready to serve! To keep chicken tender, use a meat thermometer. Cook it to 165°F for safety. This ensures it stays juicy. Before cooking, season the chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Use a large skillet for even cooking. A heavy pan helps to achieve a nice sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This prevents steaming, which can make the chicken tough. Start with heavy cream for a rich sauce. If you want it creamier, add more cream. To adjust seasoning, taste as you go. A pinch of salt or pepper can make a big difference. For extra spice, consider adding more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Smoked paprika gives a wonderful depth, so don't skip it if you like a smoky flavor. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta in shallow bowls. This showcases the vibrant colors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch. You can also sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top for a pop of color. For a complete meal, pair it with warm garlic bread or a crisp mixed salad. This adds balance and freshness to your dish. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, always cook the pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Seasoning Balance: Don’t forget to taste the sauce before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of additional Cajun seasoning to enhance the flavor. Chicken Searing: For the best flavor, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will create a nice golden crust and lock in moisture. Make It Smoky: If you enjoy a smoky flavor, consider adding the optional smoked paprika. It enhances the dish and adds depth to the overall flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Shrimp adds a nice touch. Cook it just like chicken. Sausage works well too. Use andouille for extra flavor. If you want something lighter, try tofu. It soaks up flavors well. For a vegetarian take, use plant-based proteins. Tofu is a great choice. You can also use chickpeas for added protein. Keep the creaminess by using plant-based cream. Almond or coconut cream are good options. You still get that rich flavor you want! Spice it up with extra ingredients. Adding cheese makes it creamier and richer. Try parmesan or cheddar for a nice twist. You can also toss in more veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great. Adjust the heat by adding more Cajun seasoning. Start small, then taste as you go. To keep your creamy Cajun chicken pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent drying. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze it. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date for easy tracking. When reheating, use the stovetop for the best results. Heat it on low to keep the sauce smooth. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Avoid using a microwave, as it may cause the sauce to separate. In the fridge, your pasta will last about three to four days. If frozen, it should be good for up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see mold or a sour smell, it's best to toss it. Always trust your senses to guide you! Yes, you can use other pasta types. Options include penne, rotini, or spaghetti. Each pasta will cook differently. For penne or rotini, follow the package cooking time, usually 10-12 minutes. For spaghetti, aim for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure your pasta is al dente for the best texture. Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use a dairy-free cream substitute for a similar texture. Adjust seasoning since these milks can change the flavor. Add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste if desired. You can easily spice things up! Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. A dash of hot sauce enhances the heat. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Start small and taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Yes, this recipe can be prepped in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken separately. You can store them in the fridge for up to two days. Make the sauce fresh just before serving. Reheat the chicken and pasta together in the sauce for best flavor. For sides, garlic bread or a fresh salad pairs well. You can also serve roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. These sides balance the creamy pasta and add crunch. A crisp white wine complements the flavors nicely, if desired. This blog post shared the recipe and steps for creamy Cajun chicken pasta. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare each part of the dish. We discussed tips for cooking chicken, making a creamy sauce, and plating for appeal. You can also explore variations, storage tips, and FAQs to make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the great flavors this meal brings to your table!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and sautéed vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside, remembering to reserve a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
  • In a mixing bowl, take the sliced chicken and toss it with Cajun seasoning until well-coated. Ensure all strips are evenly covered for consistent flavor.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the pepper is soft and fragrant.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits from the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a dull simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
  • Allow the dish to simmer on low for an extra 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors combine. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or a mixed salad for a complete meal.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta