Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cajun Chicken Pasta is an exciting dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the South right into your kitchen. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and al dente pasta, creating a meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the soul.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne pasta This shape holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Chicken
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1 pound total.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning A blend of spices that adds depth and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking the chicken.
Vegetables
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped Adds a sweet and savory flavor base.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances the overall aroma and taste.
- 1 piece Red bell pepper, sliced Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 piece Green bell pepper, sliced Provides additional flavor and color contrast.
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy cream Creates a luscious, creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Chicken broth Adds depth of flavor.
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
- 1. Start by cooking the pasta. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later use.
- 2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- 4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- 5. Next, add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet still slightly crisp.
- 6. Once the vegetables are cooked, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- 8. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the pasta and sauce until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
- 9. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your homemade Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences. This dish is versatile and can be tailored to your liking.