Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken strips with sautéed bell peppers and a luscious creamy sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or penne pasta and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this meal offers a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors ideal for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to be combined later with the sauce and chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season the chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning ensuring all pieces are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 7-8 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Peppers: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch and color.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Add garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes allowing it to slightly thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the previously cooked pasta and chicken strips back into the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes while stirring continuously to help the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions to add a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately while warm for the best taste and enjoyment.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need this recipe to be gluten-free compatible.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts best and provides optimal flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
