Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it offers a delightful balance of spices, creaminess, and vibrant veggies that come together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, toss the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and the garlic is fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Season:** Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preference for spice.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for added vegetables and nutrition.
