Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender strips of Cajun-seasoned chicken with sautéed bell peppers, all enveloped in a luscious, flavorful cream sauce. Tossed with tender fettuccine or penne, and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, making it an irresistible dinner option that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Evenly coat the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is seasoned.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Peppers: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crunch.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken strips back into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, enhancing the creaminess.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onion for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately while warm and enjoy this rich, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley and green onion add a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the rich cream sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
