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Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce and served over perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ready in under 30 minutes, this creamy, spicy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Seasoning

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta

Sauce & Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Toss them generously with Cajun seasoning to coat every piece uniformly with the spicy blend.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Chicken and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic until tender and fragrant.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Allow it to simmer gently, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything thoroughly until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning: Freshly made blends enhance the flavor dramatically compared to store-bought mixes.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook until just done to keep it juicy, then remove to avoid drying out.
  • Reserve pasta water: Adding a bit loosens the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
  • Let the sauce simmer: This melds the flavors together for a richer, creamier outcome.
  • Add vegetables last: Keeping them slightly crisp adds a desirable texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Cajun recipe

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/cajun-chicken-pasta/