Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of Cajun-spiced chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a spicy kick and a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season evenly with the Cajun seasoning to ensure the bold flavors coat each piece.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 7-8 minutes until they are golden brown and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Peppers: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth. Add garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken strips to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly to melt the cheese into the sauce, enhancing the creaminess and flavor.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately, savoring the harmonious blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements in every bite.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Pasta can be cooked a minute less than package instructions if you plan to toss it longer in the sauce.
