Description
Indulgent Cajun chicken pasta brings spicy Southern comfort to your dinner table, blending bold flavors with creamy sauce. Peppers, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned noodles promise a delightful meal you’ll savor until the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 10 ounces (284 grams) cremini mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon powdered garlic (or 1 fresh clove, minced)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release moisture and start to caramelize, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce seasoned chicken to the vegetable mixture, cooking for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a harmonious sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken.
- Incorporate cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
- Optional: Enhance heat levels by adding extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Consider serving alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to complement the dish’s rich flavors.
Notes
- Customize the Cajun seasoning blend by mixing your own combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and dried herbs for a personalized spice profile.
- Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and juicier meat that absorbs the Cajun flavors more effectively.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea, rice, or zucchini noodles that maintain a similar texture and absorb the creamy sauce well.
- Reduce the calorie content by swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative, which still provides richness without excessive fat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg