Cajun Chicken Pasta
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) The star of the show, tender and juicy.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne) Fettuccine is preferred for its ability to hold onto the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning A delightful blend of spices that gives this dish its signature kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing; feel free to use coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
- 1 piece bell pepper (sliced) Adds a pop of color and sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1 small onion (chopped) The aromatic base that enhances the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Essential for enhancing flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a rich, creamy sauce; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.
- for garnish fresh parsley (chopped) Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove and let it rest before slicing.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the creamy sauce, tossing everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to taste.
Serving
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or swapping proteins for shrimp or sausage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.