Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

$To make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few options: - Use penne or spaghetti instead of fettuccine. - Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein. - Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option. - If you don't have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. - Any sweet bell pepper works, so try green or orange if you prefer. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Follow these tips: - Pick firm, brightly colored bell peppers. They should feel heavy for their size. - Choose chicken that is pink and moist, not gray or dry. - Look for fragrant garlic that is firm and not sprouting. - For cherry tomatoes, select ones that are shiny and without blemishes. - When buying herbs like parsley, look for vibrant green leaves and no wilting. These small steps ensure your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is full of flavor and freshness! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Now your fettuccine is ready to join the party! In a bowl, grab your chicken breast pieces and sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning. Toss them well so every piece gets coated. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. When done, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Now, it’s time to make the sauce! Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Next, add the heavy cream, stirring well to mix. Once combined, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes. Finally, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together. Your creamy Cajun chicken pasta is coming together beautifully! If you want to save time, use pre-cooked chicken. This can cut your cooking time down by about 10 minutes. You can also use smaller pasta shapes, like penne, since they cook faster. Always check the pasta package for cooking times. Ensure your pasta is al dente to keep it firm and tasty. To boost flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. This adds a nice kick to your dish. Fresh herbs, like thyme, can elevate the taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you love cheese, add extra Parmesan on top before serving. This creamy Cajun chicken pasta pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp salad. You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve it family-style in a large bowl. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine for a perfect match. Pro Tips Season Your Pasta Water: Always add a generous amount of salt to your boiling water before adding the pasta. This enhances the flavor of the fettuccine from the inside out. Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and keeps it moist. Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily turn this dish into a tasty vegetarian meal. Just swap the chicken for hearty veggies. Good choices are mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Sauté them in olive oil until tender. Toss in the Cajun seasoning for that bold flavor. You can follow the same steps as the original recipe. Add more cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness. This variation keeps the creamy texture and the flavor punch. If you love heat, try adding more spice to the chicken. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can kick up the heat. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken for a different taste. Cook the sausage first, then add the veggies and follow the rest of the steps. This adds a new layer of flavor and makes the dish even more exciting. You don't have to stick with fettuccine. You can use any pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta works great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary. Gluten-free pasta is another option if you need it. No matter what pasta you choose, the creamy sauce pairs well with all types. It will still be creamy and delicious! To keep your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, let it cool first. After cooling, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it! If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. After cooling, portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags. Try to remove as much air as possible. Seal the bags tightly and label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating your pasta is easy! You can use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth in a pan. Heat on low and stir until warm. Enjoy your pasta just like it was fresh! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as directed. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat them in a pan. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. You can use half-and-half or milk mixed with cornstarch. This will keep the creaminess. Coconut milk is another option for a dairy-free choice. Just remember, it may change the flavor slightly. To make it less spicy, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also skip the seasoning altogether. Adding more heavy cream or cheese will help balance the heat. Serve with a side of bread to cool it down, too. This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty Cajun pasta dish. You learned about ingredient choices, cooking steps, and helpful tips. We explored variations to fit any taste, from vegetarian to spicy options. Lastly, I shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. In making your own Cajun pasta, trust your taste buds. Try new ingredients and methods. Enjoy the cooking process and make this dish your own!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and a rich sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then add the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cherry tomatoes. Let everything simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cooked fettuccine, and toss everything together until well combined.
Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta