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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Close-up of a rich, creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta dish topped with chunks of seasoned chicken and red pepper flakes.
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Follow this recipe to make a rich, spicy, and creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with an authentic Louisiana flavor profile.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  8. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cheese.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a more intense flavor, use a homemade Cajun spice blend that includes paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in your seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
  • You can substitute shrimp or smoked sausage for some or all of the chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-best-ever/