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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips - 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon of olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 cup of chicken broth For this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, chicken and pasta are the stars. The chicken provides protein, while the fettuccine gives a nice, chewy base. I love using fresh vegetables like onion and bell peppers. They add color and crunch to the dish. - 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The seasonings are key to making this dish pop. Cajun seasoning brings a warm, spicy flavor. Smoked paprika adds depth and richness. I always taste as I go to get the right balance of salt and pepper. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Garnishing is where you can add that final touch. Fresh parsley adds a bright look and taste. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, creamy finish. Together, they make the dish look and taste gourmet. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. When the pasta is done, drain it. Save 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later. Set the pasta aside. Take your chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips. Season them with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Ensure they are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Next, add minced garlic, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook these for an additional 3-4 minutes. This helps the peppers soften and become vibrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for around 5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. This melding of flavors adds depth to your dish. Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken with the sauce to coat it evenly. Now, add the drained fettuccine and reserved pasta water. If you want a creamier sauce, add more water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Taste the dish and adjust seasonings as needed. Plate generous portions of your creamy Cajun chicken pasta. For a lovely finish, garnish each plate with chopped fresh parsley. Top it off with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This makes your dish look and taste great! - Avoiding overcooked pasta: To keep your pasta from turning mushy, cook it until al dente. This means it should have a slight bite. Follow the box directions closely, but check a minute early. When you drain the pasta, remember to save some cooking water. It helps thicken the sauce later. - Ensuring chicken is perfectly cooked: For juicy chicken, cut it into thin strips. This helps it cook faster and evenly. Sauté it in a hot skillet for about 5-7 minutes. Look for golden brown color, and make sure it's no longer pink inside. - Additional spices for extra heat: If you want more kick, add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! - Suggested add-ins like spinach or mushrooms: To boost nutrition and flavor, toss in fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms. They add great texture and taste. Add them when you sauté the vegetables so they soften nicely. - Plating techniques for a restaurant-style look: For a fancy touch, twirl the pasta into a nest on the plate. Use a fork or tongs for this. Make sure to spoon some sauce and chicken on top. It makes the dish inviting and appealing. - Serving suggestions and pairings: This pasta pairs well with a crisp salad or garlic bread. A light white wine can enhance the meal too. Garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more seasoning or include some red pepper flakes. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water! It’s starchy and helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a creamier consistency. Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Always use fresh parsley or other herbs as a garnish. This not only adds color but enhances the flavor profile of the dish. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken with shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it until pink. If you prefer sausage, use smoked or andouille for a kick. Slice it and cook it until browned. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based proteins. Tofu or tempeh works well here. Cube them and sauté until golden. You can also use chickpeas for extra protein and texture. Fettuccine is great, but feel free to use other pasta types. Penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well. Whole wheat or egg pasta can add more flavor too. If you need gluten-free options, use rice or corn pasta. These alternatives still taste good and hold the creamy sauce nicely. To spice things up, add more Cajun seasoning or some red pepper flakes. This adds heat without changing the dish too much. You can also mix in some hot sauce for an extra kick. For dairy-free options, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These choices keep the dish creamy while making it vegan-friendly. Just ensure to balance the flavors well. To keep your creamy Cajun chicken pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating creamy pasta, the best method is the stovetop. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help the sauce stay creamy. Stir often to prevent burning. Avoid microwaving, as it can separate the sauce and make it grainy. To freeze creamy Cajun chicken pasta, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little broth for creaminess. You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. This mix gives a similar richness. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt. Just whisk it well before adding. If you prefer dairy-free, coconut cream works great too. It adds a nice flavor that pairs well with Cajun spices. To kick up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes. If you want a fresh kick, try adding chopped jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, consider using chipotle powder. Adjust to your taste, but start small to avoid overpowering the dish. Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat and toss with the pasta. The pasta can also be cooked ahead, but it’s best to mix everything right before serving to keep the pasta from getting mushy. Most Cajun seasonings are gluten-free, but it’s always good to check the label. Some brands may add fillers that contain gluten. If you want, you can make your own mix with spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. This way, you control all the ingredients. A fresh green salad is a great match. The crunch adds balance to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks also work well. You could serve roasted vegetables for a healthy option. Think about sautéed asparagus or green beans to brighten the meal. This blog post covered the essential components of creamy Cajun chicken pasta. We explored main ingredients, seasonings, and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions and valuable tips for cooking and presentation. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. In conclusion, this dish is simple, tasty, and adaptable. Use these tips to create your own version. Enjoy making this dish for family and friends!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced chicken and colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 piece yellow bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with a sprinkle of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, introduce the minced garlic along with the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften and become vibrant.
  • Make the Sauce: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for around 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and meld all the flavors together.
  • Combine Everything: After the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently toss the chicken with the sauce to coat it evenly. Next, add the drained fettuccine into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water (add more if a creamier consistency is desired). Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.
  • Serve: Plate generous portions of the creamy Cajun chicken pasta. For an appealing finish, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese on top, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta