Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich, creamy sauce over pasta. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through preparing this delicious meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Pasta: 8 ounces of penne or your preferred pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil 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.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine, ensuring everything is well-coated with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding sautéed bell peppers and onions to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg