Cajun Chicken and Pasta Dish (Print Version)
Creamy Cajun chicken pasta with bold flavors and tender chicken in a rich sauce.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
8 oz (227 g) penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions and drained
02 -
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
03 -
½ teaspoon salt, divided
04 -
½ teaspoon pepper, divided
05 -
1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
06 -
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
07 -
½ yellow onion, diced
08 -
2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
09 -
1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
10 -
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
½ teaspoon dried basil
12 -
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
13 -
⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
02 -
In a large zip-top bag, combine 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly. Set aside.
03 -
In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary.
04 -
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
05 -
Add the heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
06 -
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the parmesan cheese and warmed, cooked pasta until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Pasta alternatives like linguine can be substituted if preferred.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the pasta may lose some creaminess upon reheating.
03 -
For Cajun seasoning, 'Slap Ya Mama' is recommended for optimal flavor.