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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  2. 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