Are you looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, creamy goodness, and just the right amount of spice? Look no further than this Delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe! This dish combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce that’s seasoned to perfection, making it an irresistible meal any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. In this article, we’ll show you how to make it step-by-step so you can serve up a plate of deliciousness in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Not only is this creamy pasta a delight for the taste buds, but it also comes with several perks:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Beginners: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even novice cooks can master this dish.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and flavorful chicken appeal to both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spiciness to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy pasta dishes are a staple, and this Cajun twist elevates it to the next level!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the show! It adds robust flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can easily make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Heavy Cream: This contributes to the sauce’s creaminess. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese will melt better and provide a more intense flavor than pre-grated varieties.
How to Make Delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Step-By-Step
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, until al dente. Once finished, drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water to prevent the pasta from sticking. - Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning until well-coated.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes for the flavors to penetrate deeply. - Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Pro Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to get a nice sear on the chicken. - Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Pro Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. - Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until well combined, then bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Pro Tip: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding pasta water if it’s too thick. - Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: Reserve a little pasta water, and add it if the sauce is too thick for your liking. - Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Pro Tip: For a spicy kick, sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings:
- Drinks: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Side Dishes: A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Occasions:
- Weeknight Dinner: Quick and satisfying after a long day.
- Dinner Party: Impress your guests with this easy yet elegant dish.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in large, shallow bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant look.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
- Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Container: Use a glass or plastic airtight container.
Freezer:
- Packaging: If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips for Success
- Do Not Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente; it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and real cheese enhance the flavor and quality of the dish.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce and pasta before serving, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Recipe Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it Veggie: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Shrimp is a fantastic alternative. Just make sure to cook them until they turn pink and opaque.
Q: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
A: You can make a quick substitute using a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and pepper.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to cook it fresh for optimal creaminess.
Q: Is the sauce supposed to be thick?
A: Yes, the sauce should cling to the pasta. If it’s too thick, add a bit of pasta water to loosen it up.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A flavorful, creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious Cajun sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta Preparation
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta You can substitute with any pasta of your choice.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is recommended for better flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, until al dente. Once finished, drain and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Season the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning until well-coated.
- Pro Tip: Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes for the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Pro Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to get a nice sear on the chicken.
Sauté Onions and Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
- Pro Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Make the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until well combined, then bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Pro Tip: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding pasta water if it’s too thick.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pro Tip: Reserve a little pasta water, and add it if the sauce is too thick for your liking.
Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Pro Tip: For a spicy kick, sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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