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To make creamy Cajun chicken pasta, gather these key items: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. The spice blend is crucial for that Cajun kick. You will need: - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning This seasoning adds heat and depth. Adjust the amount if you prefer more or less spice. Finish your dish with a touch of brightness. Consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped Adding parsley gives the pasta a fresh look and taste. You can also try a squeeze of lemon for extra zest! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, toss in 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Don’t forget to save 1 cup of that pasta water; it helps later! While your pasta cooks, grab 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color and make sure they are fully cooked. Once done, take them out and let them rest on a plate. After a few minutes, slice the chicken into strips. Using the same skillet means all that tasty flavor stays. Add a finely chopped onion and a thinly sliced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and translucent. Now, add in 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir for one more minute. You’ll love that aroma! Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Let this simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If it looks too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water bit by bit until you reach the right consistency. Finally, add the sliced chicken back to the sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece in that rich flavor. To get that perfect Cajun taste, use a good quality Cajun seasoning. Look for one with a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can even make your own mix. Just blend paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne. This adds depth and flavor to your dish. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, cut back on the seasoning. You can also serve hot sauce on the side. This way, each person can spice it up to their liking. To keep the chicken tender, do not overcook it. Searing on medium-high heat seals the juices inside. Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This keeps it moist when you slice it. If you want extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for an hour before cooking. This step adds more depth to your Cajun chicken pasta. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite to it, which also helps it absorb the flavors of the sauce better. Cajun Seasoning Balance: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. Start with less, and you can always add more if you like it hotter. Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures that the juices redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful when sliced. Fresh Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you a creamier texture and a much richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of creamy Cajun pasta. Instead of chicken, use firm tofu or mushrooms. Season them with Cajun spices just like you would with chicken. Sauté until golden brown. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a full flavor. Adding more veggies can make this dish even better. Try using spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Add them when you sauté the onions and bell peppers. This way, they cook down and mix well with the sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also add great flavor. If you want to change the protein, there are many options. Shrimp works well with Cajun spices. Simply sauté the shrimp in the same way as the chicken. You can also try sausage or even cooked chickpeas. Each protein brings a new taste and texture to the dish. You can store leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing much flavor. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring gently. This helps to warm it without drying it out. You can also use a microwave, but stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Fettuccine and penne work well, but you can try rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Each shape holds the sauce differently. Penne is great for scooping up creamy bits, while fettuccine offers a nice, smooth texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. To make this dish spicier, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right heat level for your taste buds. You might also try adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. These alternatives may change the texture, but they can still create a creamy finish. Just remember to adjust the heat so your sauce doesn't curdle. This blog post covers key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for perfect Cajun pasta. You learned how to prepare the dish with flavors that pop and are right for your taste. Remember, you can swap ingredients and adjust spice levels to make it your own. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. With these insights, you're set to create a delicious meal. Enjoy every bite and share your experience!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-seasoned chicken and sautéed vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  • While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and generously season both sides with Cajun seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 6–7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest before slicing it into strips.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the skillet. Allow this mixture to simmer and reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is rich and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, mixing until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Slice the rested chicken breasts and add them back into the creamy sauce. Stir gently to ensure each piece is fully coated in the delightful Cajun sauce.
  • Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Transfer the creamy Cajun chicken pasta to serving bowls immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a refreshing touch and a splash of color.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta