Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers Southern comfort with a fiery kick, blending rich cream sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken. Hearty flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to savor each zesty, indulgent bite of this irresistible Southern-inspired classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Cajun seasoning
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a rich golden-brown exterior while cooking through completely.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and slice into elegant diagonal strips.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced bell peppers until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Pour heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, gently folding to ensure every strand is evenly coated.
- Reintroduce the sliced chicken into the pasta, tossing carefully to distribute heat and flavors uniformly.
- Finish the dish with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added color and aromatic freshness.
- Plate immediately and serve hot, allowing diners to enjoy the rich, spicy Cajun-inspired creation.
Notes
- Modify Cajun seasoning amount to control heat intensity, ensuring the dish suits varying spice preferences.
- Easily substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs.
- Use half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter versions, maintaining creamy texture without heavy calories.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the sauté stage for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg