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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A bold and comforting creamy Cajun chicken pasta with a perfect balance of spicy kick and smooth creaminess, easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
  • 1 diced onion (yellow or white)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper until well coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Add diced onion and bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat noodles in the creamy, spicy sauce. Cook together for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish.
  9. Serve immediately with an optional extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

If sauce separates or curdles, lower heat and add a splash of broth or cream while whisking vigorously. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy. Adjust spice level by reducing Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for milder flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy dinner, easy weeknight meal, Cajun seasoning, chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-spicy-savory-dinner-idea/