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To make Cajun Chicken Pasta, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 small onion - 3 cloves garlic - 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper - Fresh parsley - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) These ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick. The cream makes the sauce smooth and creamy. You can choose your favorite pasta type. I love using fettuccine, but penne works great too. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. If you like cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan on top for extra taste. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish special. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once boiling, gently add the fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta. Remember to save half a cup of pasta water. This water helps make the sauce smooth later. Next, take your chicken breasts and slice them into strips. In a mixing bowl, add the chicken strips. Sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning and mix well. Make sure every piece is coated evenly. This seasoning brings the bold flavors of Cajun cooking to your dish. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these for 4-5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. To make the sauce, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Stir the mixture well. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes. This helps it thicken and develop flavor. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes and stir everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you like the texture. Once combined, toss in the cooked pasta. Let it heat for 2 minutes so all the flavors can blend. When serving, divide the pasta onto plates. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. If you like, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This adds a nice finish to your dish. Enjoy your Cajun Chicken Pasta! The best types of pasta for Cajun Chicken Pasta are fettuccine or penne. Fettuccine holds the creamy sauce well. Penne, with its tube shape, captures the sauce inside. You can experiment with other shapes too. Just ensure the pasta is hearty enough to stand up to the bold flavors. To modify the heat, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning. For less spice, use one tablespoon instead of two. You can also add dairy, like cream or cheese, to cool it down. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. To lighten the dish, swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk. You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These swaps can keep the dish tasty while lowering calories and fat. Pro Tips Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for fettuccine for a creamy texture that clings to the sauce, or use penne for a delightful bite that captures the flavors in every tube. Homemade Cajun Seasoning: For a personalized kick, consider making your own Cajun seasoning using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano for a fresh and vibrant flavor. Don't Skip the Resting: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the meal further. {{image_2}} To make Cajun Chicken Pasta vegetarian, swap the chicken for veggies. You can use mushrooms, zucchini, or even eggplant. These add great texture and flavor. For protein, try using tofu or tempeh. Just season them with Cajun spice before cooking. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. You can change the sauce to fit your taste. For a tomato-based version, use crushed tomatoes or marinara instead of cream. This makes a lighter dish with a fresh taste. If you prefer a pesto twist, add basil pesto to the cream sauce. This gives a bright, herby flavor that pairs well with the Cajun spices. If you want more protein, shrimp or sausage are great choices. For shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until they turn pink. Add them to the pasta at the end. If you like sausage, use smoked or andouille sausage. Slice it and cook with the chicken for a flavorful kick. Both options add depth to your dish. Store your Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first. Place it in the fridge. It can last up to three days. Keep the chicken and pasta mixed well with the sauce. This will help maintain flavor and moisture. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir gently to avoid burning. Heat until warm, but not too hot. If you use a microwave, cover it with a lid. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. You can freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta for up to three months. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Allow it to cool before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as needed, adding a bit more cream or broth for a creamy texture. Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish. It features juicy chicken strips and Cajun spices. The sauce combines chicken broth and heavy cream. Fresh vegetables add color and flavor. It’s a hearty meal that’s easy to make. To add more heat, use extra Cajun seasoning. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes. Chopped jalapeños bring a nice kick too. If you like it really hot, try a spicy hot sauce. Just add a little at a time to control the heat. Yes, you can use shrimp, sausage, or turkey. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with the sauce. Chicken sausage offers a leaner option with great flavor. For a twist, try smoked sausage for a smoky taste. Each meat gives a unique flavor to the dish. This dish goes well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A simple Caesar salad complements the creamy pasta nicely. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for added nutrition. A glass of white wine pairs well with the flavors too. Cajun Chicken Pasta lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before putting it away. Reheat it on low heat to keep it creamy. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry. Cajun Chicken Pasta combines flavors and textures for a delightful meal. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for success. Remember, you can tweak spice levels and make it your own. Whether you prefer it creamy or light, this dish is versatile. Feel proud of your creation! Share it with friends or keep it for yourself. Enjoy every bite and explore different variations as you go. Happy cooking!

Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight

A creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 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
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
  • In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Divide the pasta among serving plates, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta