Here is the recipe for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
**Servings:** 4-6 people
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), diced
* 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 8 ounces pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
8. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta sauce.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the chicken and pasta sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
**Additional Tips and Variations:**
* To make the dish more spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or a diced jalapeño pepper to the skillet.
* To make the dish creamier, add more heavy cream or substitute half-and-half or whole milk.
* To add some heat, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the top of the pasta before serving.
* Use different types of pasta, such as penne or farfalle, for a change of pace.
* Add some cooked shrimp or andouille sausage to the dish for added protein and flavor.
* Omit the heavy cream and substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lower-fat version.
* Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrients.
* Experiment with different flavors, such as chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or diced chipotle peppers, for a smokier flavor.
* Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like any variations or substitutions.
Must Tried Recipes :
