Here’s a recipe for a creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta:
Serving size and preparation time:
Serving Size: This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish.
Preparation Time: This recipe takes about 35-40 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for the chicken and pasta. The majority of the time is spent on the stovetop, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to come together. The preparation time can be reduced by prepping the ingredients (such as dicing the onion and red bell peppers) ahead of time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 12 ounces dried pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook until the wine has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Serve the Cajun Chicken Pasta with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta!
The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and spicy Cajun seasoning creates a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve this dish with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Garnishing Suggestions: Here are a few suggestions for garnishing your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro can be sprinkled on top of the pasta for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving for a nutty, salty flavor and extra richness.
- Red pepper flakes: For a little extra heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the pasta.
- Crusty bread: Serve your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with a crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Lemon wedges: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top of each serving for a pop of acidity and brightness.
These garnishes are optional, but they can add even more flavor, texture, and interest to your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Experiment with different combinations to find what you like best!