Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Cajun Chicken Pasta is full of flavor and easy to make. You need simple ingredients, and they all work well together. The chicken gives protein, while the pasta makes it hearty. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. Olive oil helps cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. The bell pepper adds a nice crunch, and garlic brings a warm, rich flavor. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a creamy sauce that ties everything together. The cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst of sweetness. Lastly, sprinkle fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delicious meal. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight. It brings the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen in just 30 minutes! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta. - Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. - Once cooked, drain the pasta but save half a cup of the starchy water. - Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips. - In a bowl, season the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. - Make sure all pieces are coated well for the best flavor. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Sauté the chicken strips in the skillet until they are golden brown and cooked through. - In the same skillet, add 1 small diced onion, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. - Cook these veggies until they soften and become fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. - Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. - Stir well to combine the ingredients. - Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. - Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens. - Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and mix everything well. - If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until it’s creamy. - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. - Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. - Let it cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully. To make your Cajun chicken pasta burst with flavor, seasoning is key. Use two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning for each pound of chicken. This way, every bite will be packed with that bold, spicy taste. You can also mix the seasoning into the cream sauce for more depth. For cooking techniques, always sauté chicken in a hot skillet. This gives it a nice brown color. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This lets each piece sear properly, sealing in juices and flavor. When serving, garnish each plate with fresh parsley. This bright green adds color and freshness. If you like cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. It melts slightly and complements the creamy sauce. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or crusty bread. The salad adds crunch, while the bread soaks up any leftover sauce. A common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can make it dry. Cook just until it’s no longer pink inside. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce’s thickness. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. It will improve the texture and help the sauce cling to the pasta better. Pro Tips Season Your Pasta Water: Always make sure to season your boiling water with salt before adding the pasta. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs and high-quality ingredients. Fresh parsley and ripe tomatoes can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or add it gradually to find your ideal spice level. {{image_4}} To make this dish spicier, you can adjust the seasoning. Start with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use hot sauce in the sauce for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go. This way, you’ll find the right level of spice for you. If you want a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken. Try using mushrooms or tofu instead. Both options soak up flavors well. For mushrooms, slice them thick and sauté until golden. If using tofu, press it to remove extra moisture, then cube it. Season it with Cajun spices to give it that bold flavor. To make this dish creamier, you can switch out the heavy cream. Try using half-and-half or coconut cream for a twist. Both add richness without being too heavy. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. Just mix it in at the end to keep it from curdling. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors as needed. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the pasta cool before putting it in a container. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. Label the container with the date so you remember when you made it. To freeze portions, split the pasta into smaller servings. Place each serving in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze Cajun chicken pasta for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, put it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir it well to combine all the flavors again. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal just like the day you made it! If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own. Mix these spices: - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - ½ teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste You can also use Creole seasoning. It has similar spices and flavor. If you prefer milder flavor, cut back on the cayenne pepper. Yes, you can swap the pasta type. Here are some options: - Penne - Fusilli - Farfalle - Spaghetti Each type will change the texture a bit, but they will all taste great. Choose what you like best or what you have on hand. Cajun chicken pasta can be spicy, but you can adjust it. The heat comes from the Cajun seasoning. If you want less spice, use less seasoning. You can also add cream to tone down the heat. Taste as you cook, and adjust to your liking. Yes, you can prepare Cajun chicken pasta ahead. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta and sauce just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. If you want to make it even earlier, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. Just reheat and mix with the pasta when you’re ready to eat. This blog post guides you in making a tasty Cajun chicken pasta. You learned about the main and additional ingredients, along with step-by-step cooking instructions. We covered tips for flavor, serving ideas, and common mistakes to avoid. Variations allow you to choose a spicier or vegetarian option. Lastly, we provided storage tips for leftovers. With these insights, cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy creating your own Cajun chicken pasta masterpiece!$

Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 piece bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but make sure to reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients together until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Add the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
Return the sautéed chicken back into the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything well to ensure it’s coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well combined with the chicken and sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve the pasta on individual plates, garnishing each serving with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For added visual appeal, consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls with extra cherry tomatoes and parsley scattered on top.

Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta