Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Description:
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that combines tender slices of chicken breast with a rich and flavorful Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Tossed with your choice of pasta, this dish is both comforting and invigorating, with just the right amount of kick. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For the Pasta:
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional for Garnish:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
  • Season the chicken slices generously with Cajun seasoning.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  1. Make the Sauce:
  • In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes or until it begins to thicken.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  1. Combine and Serve:
  • Add the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine and heat through.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information Estimate (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 600
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 30g

Recommendations:

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning, or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour to thicken.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce.

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients into a bold and satisfying meal. Enjoy the harmony of spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken that makes this pasta dish a delightful treat.

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