Spicy Cajun Chicken & Pasta Delight
Cajun Chicken and Pasta Dish
Introduction
Cajun Chicken and Pasta is a delicious dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with creamy pasta. It’s a great meal for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and quick to make, allowing you to whip up a hearty meal in no time.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Cajun Chicken and Pasta Dish for several reasons. First, it’s bursting with flavor! The combination of Cajun seasoning and fresh vegetables makes it a tasty option that everyone will enjoy. Second, it’s versatile. You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to cater to your preferences. Finally, it’s a one-pan dish! This means less cleanup, making it a convenient choice for busy nights.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Pasta
Making Cajun Chicken and Pasta is straightforward. Follow the steps below, and you will have a mouthwatering dish ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (227 g) penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
Directions:
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Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
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Season the chicken: In a large zip-top bag, combine 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly. Set aside.
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Cook the chicken: In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary.
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Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
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Prepare the sauce: Add the heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
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Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the parmesan cheese and warmed, cooked pasta until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Pasta
Cajun Chicken and Pasta is best served hot. You can serve it directly from the pan to keep it warm. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely color and freshness to the dish. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cajun Chicken and Pasta
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Cajun Chicken and Pasta
- Customize the spice level: If you like it spicier, you can add more Cajun seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use different pasta: While penne works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
Variation
For a healthier version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a low-fat cream or even broth to reduce calories. Also, swapping out the regular pasta for whole wheat or a gluten-free pasta can be a good idea.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
2. Can I freeze Cajun Chicken and Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Make sure it is well sealed in an airtight container and is consumed within 2 months for best quality.
3. What can I serve with Cajun Chicken and Pasta?
It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Cajun Chicken and Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon salt, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper, divided
Vegetables and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 count bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.75 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.33 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly. Set aside.
Cooking
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the parmesan cheese and warmed, cooked pasta until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
