Cajun Chicken Pasta Cream (Printable View)
Creamy pasta with Cajun-spiced chicken, peppers, and Parmesan sauce, perfect for flavorful dinners.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ For the Pasta
04 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine
05 - Salt, for pasta water
→ For the Sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
08 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
13 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 - Extra grated Parmesan (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water as needed.
07 - Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce and heat through.
08 - Divide among plates, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of creamy sauce and bold spices creates that perfect balance between comfort food and something exciting enough for company
- Everything comes together in one pan except the pasta, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner
02 -
- The sauce thickens quickly off heat so remove it from the burner a minute before you think it is ready
- Slicing chicken against the grain is what keeps it tender instead of chewy
03 -
- Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly into the sauce without separating
- Keep some pasta water handy even after draining because it is your secret weapon for fixing sauce consistency