Sure, here is a recipe for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is bursting with bold Cajun spices and a rich, creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender chicken pieces mingle with succulent vegetables in a silky sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-worthy dish for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2, cut into strips |
| Cajun seasoning | 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to your spice preference) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion | 1, diced |
| Green bell pepper | 1, diced |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
| Diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended) | 1 (15 oz can) |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz, softened |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Uncooked penne pasta (or your preferred pasta) | ½ pound |
| Chopped fresh parsley (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Cooking Guide:
-
Prep the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning to evenly coat. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the remaining butter to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Sauté the diced onion and green pepper for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. -
Build the Sauce:
Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth into the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. -
Creamy Magic:
Stir in the heavy whipping cream and softened cream cheese. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine and Finish:
Add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken strips, and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Let it simmer for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Spice it Up: For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Veggie Power: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli florets, or spinach.
- Pasta Perfection: Any type of short pasta will work well in this recipe. Penne, rotini, or farfalle are all great choices.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well and can be enjoyed for lunch the next day.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
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