Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect blend of spicy Cajun flavors and creamy pasta. This dish offers a delicious, comforting meal with a kick. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they’re well-covered for a bold flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes, thickening slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Make it spicy: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want more heat.
- Vegetable options: You can add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese: For a richer sauce, you can add more Parmesan or use cream cheese.
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy and spicy! Let me know if you’d like to tweak the recipe.