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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish blending tender chicken coated in smoky Cajun spices with a luscious creamy sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant vegetables. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it offers southern comfort food with an indulgent yet easy-to-make twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Seasonings

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta & Garnish

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Toss them thoroughly with Cajun seasoning until every piece is evenly coated to ensure flavorful bites.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce texture later.
  3. Sauté the chicken and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic until tender and fragrant.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
  5. Combine pasta and chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level.
  • Use full-fat heavy cream for a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner, Southern cuisine, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/