Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This dish is a flavorful blend of tender cajun-spiced chicken and a creamy sauce tossed with pasta. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning.
3. Sauté the Chicken and Veggies: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion and green pepper (if using) to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
5. Build the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Adjust the spice level: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat level. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Make it a one-pot meal: To save on dishes, cook the pasta directly in the sauce after removing the chicken. Add the chicken broth from the pasta water to the sauce if needed to adjust the consistency.
• Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach to the dish.
• Use leftover chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it to the sauce in step 7.
• Creamy substitute: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.
• Serve with a side: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

Enjoy this delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!