Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Let's Get Cajun!
Fancy a bit of Louisiana sunshine on your plate? Ever wondered how to spice up your weeknight dinners? Well, let's talk about creamy cajun chicken pasta .
It's comfort food kicked up a notch. Trust me; this dish is about to become your new obsession.
What's the Deal with Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
This dish is a taste of the South. It's Louisiana Cuisine at its finest, with a creamy twist. Think Cajun Seasoning Recipe meets Italian comfort.
It's quick, easy, and seriously satisfying and it's a Comfort Food Recipes that is easy to cook!.
Cajun chicken pasta is rooted in Louisiana's vibrant culinary scene. It's a fusion of French, Spanish, and African flavors. This recipe is beginner friendly.
It takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and makes 4 servings. So, get ready to dig in!.
Why You'll Love This Spicy Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta recipe is pure joy. The Spicy Chicken Pasta is a great way to use Chicken Breast Recipes .
Plus, it's packed with flavor and has a little kick. It's perfect for a Weeknight Dinner Ideas .
Honestly, what makes this Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta special is the balance. It’s got the creamy richness, the spicy warmth, and the tender chicken.
It’s a crowd pleaser every time. It's the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week.
Now, let's dive into what you'll need to make this magic happen!.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30g) Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cajun Spice Blend (Optional, if not using store-bought):
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) paprika
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) onion powder
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) red pepper flakes
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favourite shape)
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Let's get started on this flavor adventure!.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this k_annotated :Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It's easier than you think, honestly! You'll feel like you're hanging out in New Orleans after this.
And trust me, a good creamy Cajun pasta recipe is a total crowd pleaser.
Ingredients & Equipment
This easy Cajun chicken pasta is all about the right balance. Get your mise en place ready, and the rest is plain sailing! So grab your ingredients and let's cook this k_annotated :Cajun Chicken Recipe Easy
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into 1 inch pieces. Get good quality chicken. It makes a difference.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil. This is to sear the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) k_annotated :Cajun seasoning. store-bought or homemade. More on that later!
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, of course.
- 1 lb (450g) pasta. Penne or fettuccine works best.
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. This is what makes it k_annotated :Creamy Pasta Recipes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh parsley.
Seasoning Notes
Cajun seasoning is key for this spicy k_annotated :Chicken Pasta recipe. If you're making your own, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne are your best friends.
Adjust that cayenne to your liking. A touch of red pepper flakes can also kick it up a notch. A good creole seasoning blend is very popular too.
And hey, if you are feeling brave, throw a little andouille sausage into the mix.
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for this k_annotated :Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta. A large skillet, a pot for the pasta, and a colander will do the trick.
If you have a Dutch oven, even better! And honestly, you don't need fancy measuring cups. A normal mug will do the work, more or less.
Now, let's cook this delicious k_annotated :Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Right, let's get cracking on this creamy cajun chicken pasta a dish that's a bit like a Mardi Gras party in your mouth! Think spicy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
It is a pretty medium difficulty dish but is worth it. Honestly... it's easier than making a soufflé, but more involved than making toast.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Taste of the Bayou!
This creamy cajun pasta recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen. It's like a hug from your Southern grandma, but with a little kick.
This recipe is fantastic for a weeknight meal, perfect for when you want something both comforting and exciting. I love the spicy chicken pasta because it is pretty easy to cook.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro
First things first, let's get organised. It takes around 20 minutes to prep all the ingredients! Cut the 1.
5 lbs chicken breasts into bite sized pieces. Dice your onion and bell peppers . Measure out your spices. Having everything ready beforehand makes the whole process a breeze.
step-by-step to Creamy Cajun Heaven
- Season the chicken. Combine the 680g chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil , 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon onion powder , salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.
- Cook the pasta: Cook 1 lb pasta according to the package. I love using penne!
- Sauté the chicken in your large skillet. Make sure you use medium high heat. You will know it is ready once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through and lightly browned
- Sauté those veggies in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. First add the 4 tablespoons butter , and sauté the diced onion and garlic until softened. Then, toss in the diced bell peppers and cook until tender.
- Next pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese . Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss in the cooked chicken and pasta. Make sure everything is coated in the sauce.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
Want to really nail this easy cajun chicken pasta ? A common mistake to avoid is overcooking the chicken. Always use a meat thermometer! The chicken should be cooked to 165° F ( 74° C) .
Also, don't skimp on the cream! The heavy cream is essential for a rich, decadent sauce.
Honestly, this chicken pasta recipes is one of my go-tos for a quick pasta dishes that feels fancy. The Cajun Chicken Recipe Easy is a crowd pleaser, and it's definitely earned its spot in my regular rotation of weeknight dinner ideas .
Give this creamy cajun chicken pasta a try and taste the magic of the Bayou. The Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe is a keeper.
Recipe Notes for the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Alright, let's talk shop about this creamy cajun chicken pasta . It's more than just a creamy pasta recipe ; it's an experience.
I want to give you some extra tidbits to make sure your dish is absolutely banging . Think of these as your cheat codes for a guaranteed win.
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow
Okay, first impressions matter, right? Plating this cajun chicken pasta is all about showing off that gorgeous sauce. Swirl the creamy cajun pasta recipe in a bowl and top it with extra parsley.
A sprinkle of Parmesan never hurt anyone, either.
On the side, I always suggest some crusty garlic bread. It's perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce! And for drinks? A crisp, cold beer works wonders or even a glass of sweet iced tea.
That's how we do it down South. This will complement your chicken pasta recipes very nicely.
Storage Tips: Keep the Good Times Rolling
So, you've made a huge batch of this easy cajun chicken pasta . Now what? No worries, I've got you covered.
Leftover creamy cajun chicken pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.
For freezing, it's best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Reheating is easy: microwave it or heat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick.
Variations: Because We All Have Different Tastes
Honestly, this Cajun Chicken Recipe Easy is already pretty awesome, but hey, variety is the spice of life. For a lower carb option, try using zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
You get all the flavour without the extra carbs. It is in fact a spicy chicken pasta , but you can reduce the amount of cajun seasoning if you are spice averse.
Feeling adventurous? Add some sliced andouille sausage for an extra smoky kick. Or, if you're a vegetarian, swap the chicken for some hearty mushrooms and call it a creamy cajun pasta masterpiece.
And what about a blackened chicken cajun pasta ? Oh my days!
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Let's keep it real: this creamy cajun chicken pasta is comfort food. A serving has about 750-850 calories, with a good chunk of protein from the chicken.
The sauce does have some fat, but hey, it's what makes it so darn delicious!
The chicken provides essential amino acids, and the vegetables offer some vitamins. It's all about balance, right? Enjoy this comfort food recipes dish in moderation.
This pasta dinner recipes is delicious and will definitely fuel your body.
Right, so there you have it. My notes on making the absolute best creamy cajun chicken pasta . I promise, this will become one of your favourite weeknight dinner ideas .
Go on, give it a go and let me know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make creamy cajun chicken pasta ahead of time? It sounds like a fab dish, but I'm a busy bee!
You can definitely prep some components in advance! Cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the fridge. Make the sauce just before serving and combine everything when you're ready to eat. This dish is best served fresh to maintain its creamy texture, but prepping ahead saves time on a busy weeknight.
Just like a well rehearsed band, each element needs to be in tune for the final performance!
How spicy is this creamy cajun chicken pasta? My mum's not keen on too much heat!
The spice level is quite adjustable. The Cajun seasoning is the main source of heat, so you can use a mild store-bought blend or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in a homemade mix. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, adding more until it's just right for your palate.
It's a bit like Goldilocks trying the porridge - you want it just right!
What's the best way to store leftover creamy cajun chicken pasta? I always end up with extra!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave.
It's like giving it a little spa treatment to bring it back to life!
I'm trying to eat healthier, are there any substitutions I can make to lighten up this creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe?
Absolutely! You can use half and-half or even a lighter cream alternative instead of heavy cream to cut down on fat, although the sauce will be less thick. Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber, and load up on the veggies add extra bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Grilled chicken breast, or chicken thighs (trimmed of fat), will also significantly reduce the calories and fat content without sacrificing flavor, it will be as easy as putting on your favourite shoes.
Can I use shrimp or another seafood instead of chicken in this creamy cajun pasta?
Certainly! Shrimp or crawfish are fantastic substitutes for chicken. Just be mindful that seafood cooks much faster than chicken. Add the shrimp towards the end of the sauce making process, cooking until pink and opaque. Don't overcook, or it will become rubbery.
This is like turning a country classic into a smooth jazz number!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 750-850 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40-50g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |