Bayou Bliss Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Recipe Introduction

Ever dreamt of a trip to New Orleans? Craving some spicy, creamy goodness? This cajun chicken pasta recipe is your express ticket! It's like a warm hug with a kick, y'know?

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love a good pasta dish? This creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe ticks all the boxes! It's got spice, comfort, and serious flavor.

This spicy cajun chicken pasta will become a family favourite.

Brief Overview

Born from the heart of Louisiana, cajun chicken pasta is a celebration of bold spices and creamy textures. It's a mid-week meal miracle that takes about 55 minutes to whip up.

This recipe yields six generous servings, perfect for sharing with your crew.

Main Benefits

This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and offers a good dose of veggies. It is the perfect excuse to get together.

What makes it special is the homemade cajun seasoning ! It is tailored to your taste.

Ready to get your Cajun on? Let's gather the cajun chicken pasta ingredients .

Alright, let's dive into what makes this cajun chicken pasta recipe truly sing! It's all about those key ingredients and a few handy tools. Don't worry, nothing too fancy.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so for this creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe , precision matters. But honestly, it's more about the vibes than being dead on accurate. Here's what you'll need:

• Cajun Spice Blend:
  • 2 tablespoons paprika ( 30 ml )
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder ( 30 ml )
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder ( 15 ml )
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano ( 15 ml )
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme ( 15 ml )
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ( 5 ml )
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper ( 5 ml )
  • 1 teaspoon salt ( 5 ml )
• Chicken Time:
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 900g ). Quality chicken makes all the difference. Look for ones that are plump and pink.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml )
• Pasta Power:
  • 1 pound pasta (approx 450g ), like penne or fettuccine.
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 1 stick , 113g )
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups heavy cream ( 475 ml ). Don't skimp here; it's the secret to that creamy cajun chicken pasta texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( 50g )
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Seasoning Notes

The secret weapon for this spicy cajun chicken pasta is the seasoning. Paprika, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.

Adjust cayenne to your liking! For extra flavour, add a dash of smoked paprika. If you're out of oregano, use Italian seasoning.

Equipment Needed

No need for fancy gear for this easy cajun chicken pasta !

• A big pot.
• A large skillet.
• Mixing bowls.
• A whisk.
• Cutting board.
• Knife.

If you don't have a skillet, a large frying pan works just fine. Honestly, this cajun chicken pasta recipe is all about simple satisfaction. Now, let's get cooking!

Bayou Bliss: Let's Cook Some Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta !

Oh my gosh, you guys! Ready to make some magic? I'm talking about creamy, dreamy, spicy cajun chicken pasta . This easy cajun chicken pasta is like a trip to New Orleans without the airfare.

This is one of my fave weeknight pasta dinners . Honestly, the aroma alone is worth the effort. Let's get this party started, shall we?

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place On!

First, let's chop everything. Chicken into bite sized pieces, peppers thinly sliced, garlic minced. Then, measure out all your spices for that epic homemade cajun seasoning .

Having everything ready means less stress and more cooking fun. It also ensures a creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe . Trust me, it's a game changer!

step-by-step to Flavor Town

1. Mix up that Cajun spice blend : 2 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano and thyme, 1 teaspoon each of cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Adjust the cayenne to your liking.
2. Season chicken with 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning . Sear chicken in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Cook until internal temp hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Then remove and set aside.
3. Cook your pasta! You'll want 1 pound of penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Cook until al dente . Drain and set aside. Don't overcook it!
4. Melt 8 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds , until fragrant. Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper; cook 5 minutes , until soft.
5. Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and remaining cajun seasoning . Simmer about 5 minutes , until slightly thickened. Stir often. We are aiming for the perfect creamy paprika pasta.
6. Toss pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh parsley. Serve immediately. Boom! A flavorful spicy cajun chicken pasta is born!

Pro Tips for Cajun Chicken Pasta Perfection

Honestly, don't overcook the sauce. Low and slow is the way to go. If it starts to look grainy, you've gone too far.

Also, sear that chicken, babe! Get a nice crust for maximum flavor. You can make the cajun seasoning ahead. Store it in an airtight container for up to six months.

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to chat about some seriously tasty stuff concerning our cajun chicken pasta recipe ! Let's dive into recipe notes, because everyone loves tweaks and tricks.

I'm gonna share my tips for making this dish your dish. Honestly, cooking should be fun, not a chore!

Recipe Notes: Your Bayou Bliss Guide

Let's face it, sometimes we need a little help, right? Think of this as your "cheat sheet" to easy cajun chicken pasta success.

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)

Presentation is everything. Plating this creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe is easy. Twirl the pasta into a nest on a plate.

Top with the chicken, and a sprinkle of parsley. Voilà! Feeling casual? Just pile it high in a bowl. Boom.

Done.

On the side? Garlic bread is a no-brainer. A crisp salad cuts through the richness. For drinks, I love a cold beer or a dry white wine.

They're a match made in heaven.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Lucky You!

Got leftovers? Score! This cajun chicken pasta is even better the next day.

• Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
• Freezer: Freezing is an option, but the sauce might separate a bit. Freeze for up to 2 months .
• Reheating: Microwave or gently reheat in a pan on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry.

Variations: Make it Your Own, Mate!

This recipe is just a starting point. Don't be afraid to get creative!

• Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a low carb cajun chicken pasta .
• Seasonal Swap: Toss in some roasted butternut squash in the fall. It adds a lovely sweetness.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Okay, let's be real. This spicy cajun chicken pasta isn't exactly health food. But, it does have protein from the chicken, some veggies, and calcium from the cheese. Everything in moderation, right?

Each serving will set you back around 650-750 calories, but hey, life's too short to skip the good stuff. If you add some chicken alternatives it is a cajun shrimp pasta recipe and that will change the calorie amount too.

So, there you have it your guide to cajun chicken pasta perfection. Don't be scared to experiment and have fun. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My Cajun chicken pasta sauce is too thick (or too thin!). How do I fix it?

No worries, mate! If your sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water (that starchy liquid gold) will thin it right out. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it reduces to your desired consistency. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn, alright?

Can I make Cajun chicken pasta ahead of time?

You can, but it's best served fresh for optimal flavour and texture. If you must prep ahead, cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine them with the sauce just before serving. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce if left for too long, turning it a little bit mushy.

How spicy is this Cajun chicken pasta recipe? I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to heat!

The spice level is easily adjustable! This recipe is more "warming" than "fiery". Start with the recommended amount of cayenne pepper and then adjust to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away, so go slowly, yeah?

I want to try something different. What are some variations I can make to this Cajun chicken pasta?

Crikey, there are loads of options! Try adding some sliced Andouille sausage for an extra kick of flavour, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness. You could even swap the chicken for shrimp! For a vegetarian option, use roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini and mushrooms.

What's the best way to store leftover Cajun chicken pasta? Will it still be good the next day?

Store any leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll generally keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. It might not be quite as good as the first day, but it'll still be a tasty lunch or dinner!

Is Cajun Chicken Pasta healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Well, it's not exactly a salad, is it? It is creamy and delicious, but also rich in calories and fat, so it's best enjoyed in moderation. You can lighten it up by using less cream, adding more vegetables, or using whole wheat pasta.

Remember to look at the nutritional label and balance it with other healthy meals throughout the week.