Serving:1

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 oz angel hair pasta
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp celery salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 bay leaf

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Set a pot of water to boil for the pasta.
2. In a large non-stick skillet, coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Add the minced garlic and chicken chunks. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes or until the chicken is browned.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add all the remaining ingredients, except for the pasta, to the skillet. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
5. Divide the cooked pasta into two bowls. Top each bowl with the chicken mixture, making sure to remove the bay leaf.
6. Serve immediately.

NOTES:

• The original recipe had 2.2 g of fat per serving and 324 calories, making it relatively low in fat.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices according to your taste preferences.

Here are a few variations you can try with the given Cajun chicken pasta recipe:

1. Vegetarian Cajun Pasta: Omit the chicken and replace it with a variety of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook the vegetables until they are tender and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed. This variation offers a delicious and hearty vegetarian option.
2. Shrimp Cajun Pasta: Replace the chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté the shrimp in the skillet with garlic until they are cooked through, then proceed with the remaining steps of the recipe. Shrimp adds a delightful seafood twist to the dish and pairs well with the Cajun flavors.
3. Creamy Cajun Pasta: For a creamy twist, add some heavy cream or coconut milk to the skillet after simmering the ingredients. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before adding the cooked pasta. The creamy element complements the spicy Cajun flavors and creates a rich and indulgent pasta dish.
4. Spicy Cajun Pasta: If you enjoy extra heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add some additional red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the skillet. Adjust the spice level to your liking to make a spicier version of the Cajun chicken pasta.
5. Grilled Cajun Chicken Pasta: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, grill the marinated chicken breasts on a barbecue or stovetop grill pan. Once cooked, slice the chicken and add it to the pasta along with the Cajun-spiced sauce. The grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
6. Cajun Seasoning: The Cajun seasoning is a key component of this dish, providing a robust and spicy flavor profile. It typically consists of a blend of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. The Cajun seasoning adds depth and heat to the dish, infusing the chicken and sauce with its distinctive taste.
7. Chicken: The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized chunks, making them quick to cook and ensuring tender and juicy pieces. Chicken is a versatile protein that works well with the Cajun flavors in this dish.
8. Pasta: This recipe calls for angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, which is a thin and delicate pasta. The angel hair pasta pairs well with the flavorful Cajun chicken and sauce, allowing the flavors to coat the pasta strands evenly.