Description
Discover the best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe !
Bold flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken make this an irresistible, easy dinner idea.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts : Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They’re lean, easy to cook, and absorb the Cajun spices beautifully.
Cajun Seasoning : A flavorful mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Make your own for better control of spice levels and sodium content.
Heavy Cream : For the creamiest sauce, heavy cream is best, but you can substitute with lighter options if desired.
Pasta : Penne is a classic choice, but fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni also work well.
Vegetables : Red and yellow bell peppers add color and sweetness, while onions and garlic bring depth to the flavor profile.
Parmesan Cheese : Grated Parmesan adds a savory, umami-rich element to the sauce.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients :Gather all ingredients. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Dice the vegetables and grate the Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear the Chicken : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables : In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan : Pour in a splash of chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce : Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce : Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Slice and Add the Chicken : Slice the rested chicken into strips and arrange it over the pasta. Toss gently to combine, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning : Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more Cajun spices, salt, or Parmesan as needed.
- Garnish and Serve : Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!