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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta For this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, you need simple and tasty ingredients. Each item plays a key role in making the dish flavorful. 1. Chicken breasts: Use skinless and boneless for easy cooking. They soak up the seasoning well. 2. Cajun seasoning: This gives the dish its bold flavor. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it. 3. Olive oil: Use this for cooking the chicken. It adds a nice richness. 4. Garlic, onion, and bell pepper: These veggies add sweetness and depth to the sauce. 5. Heavy cream and chicken broth: Together, they create a rich, creamy sauce that hugs the pasta. 6. Mozzarella cheese: This melts beautifully and adds a cheesy flavor. 7. Fettuccine or penne pasta: These shapes hold the sauce well, making every bite delicious. - Fresh parsley - Additional seasoning suggestions Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can also sprinkle more Cajun seasoning or even some grated Parmesan cheese for extra taste. - Estimated calories per serving: 550 - Breakdown of macronutrients: - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fat: 20g This dish is hearty and filling. Each serving gives you a good mix of protein, carbs, and fat, making it perfect for a satisfying meal. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This means the pasta should still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a bowl. While the pasta cooks, take your chicken breasts. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides of each piece. Make sure to coat them well. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Slice it into strips after a few minutes. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, diced onion, and bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the peppers to soften. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape the bits from the bottom of the skillet as you mix. Bring this to a simmer and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks. Now, add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce until it is well coated. Then, stir in the sliced chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is combined and the cheese melts. Taste it and season with salt and pepper if needed. To serve, plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a nice touch. You can pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine also makes a great addition. Enjoy your dish! Choosing the right cut of chicken is key. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay moist. You can also use thighs for more flavor. For marinades, I like to use Cajun seasoning. This adds a nice kick. Coat the chicken well and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the spice to soak in. To thicken the sauce properly, let it simmer. This helps it reduce and gain flavor. If it seems too thick, add a bit of chicken broth. This keeps it smooth. I also like to alternate cream and broth ratios. Start with equal parts, then adjust as you like. More cream makes it richer, while more broth lightens it up. To avoid overcooked pasta, watch the clock. Cook it just until al dente. This means it should be firm when bitten. Drain it right away to stop cooking. Flavoring the boiling water is a great trick. Add a good amount of salt. This helps the pasta absorb flavor while it cooks. You can even add a splash of olive oil if you want. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins in this dish for variety. Shrimp or sausage both work well. Shrimp adds a nice flavor and cooks quickly. Sausage gives a hearty touch and can be spicy or mild. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It keeps the dish creamy and rich. For a lower-calorie option, try using almond milk with a thickener. While fettuccine or penne is great, you can use any pasta shape. Bowtie or spaghetti can change the look and feel of the dish. Each shape holds the sauce in a different way. For those who need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. These options taste great and still hold up well in the sauce. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach adds a fresh taste, while mushrooms give a meaty bite. You can toss in some peas or zucchini for extra color too. You can also adjust the spice level. If you like it hot, add more Cajun seasoning or some crushed red pepper. If you want less heat, use less seasoning or skip the pepper. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight seal for best results. The best way to reheat pasta is on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but stir it every minute to avoid hot spots. You can freeze this pasta dish for up to three months. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. For thawing, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of cream to restore the sauce's richness. Creamy Cajun chicken pasta stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors locked in and prevents it from drying out. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. You can mix them with the sauce right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. These swaps lower the calories and still keep it creamy. Cajun chicken pasta can be spicy, but you control the heat. Use less Cajun seasoning if you prefer milder flavors. You can also add more cream to tone down the spice. Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne works great, you can use any pasta you like. Bowtie, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta are good options. Just cook it according to the package instructions. This blog covered a delicious Cajun chicken pasta recipe, detailing the ingredients, instructions, and tips. You learned how to cook chicken, make a creamy sauce, and enhance flavors. I shared variations and storage methods to keep your dish fresh. Remember, you can mix and match ingredients to fit your taste. This meal is simple yet full of flavor. Enjoy creating your own version and impress those around you!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s sure to please your taste buds! This easy recipe combines seasoned chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, your family will love every bite. Click through to explore this mouthwatering dish and make it a staple in your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are well-coated.

      Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

        Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, diced onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened.

          Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the sliced chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is well-mixed and the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Serve: Remove from heat, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4