Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine, penne, or linguine
- Water for boiling, with 1 tsp salt
For the creamy Cajun sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to deglaze and pick up all the flavorful bits from the chicken.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until every strand is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the pasta and sauce. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g