Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion - 3 cloves garlic - 1 red bell pepper - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - Salt and pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish) - Optional: smoked paprika Gather these simple ingredients first. The chicken breasts bring protein and flavor. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick. Olive oil helps cook the chicken perfectly. The onion and garlic give it a great base of flavor. The red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. The heavy cream makes the dish creamy and rich. Chicken broth adds depth and extra flavor. Fettuccine pasta gives a nice bite to the dish. Salt and pepper help to make all the flavors pop. Fresh parsley adds a bright finish. If you want more spice, add smoked paprika. These ingredients come together to create a meal that is quick and packed with flavor. Each item plays a role in making your creamy Cajun chicken pasta a hit at the table. {{ingredient_image_1}} To boil fettuccine perfectly, start with a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, carefully drain it in a colander. Make sure to shake off excess water. Set the pasta aside in a bowl to keep it warm while you prepare the rest of the dish. Next, it’s time to season the chicken strips. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning. Make sure each piece is well-coated. This seasoning gives the chicken a tasty kick. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Sear the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. When it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Cook these together for another 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper is tender. Now, it's time to create the creamy sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. After your sauce simmers, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Then, add the fettuccine pasta. Toss everything well to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce. Make sure to mix it thoroughly for even seasoning. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Let it all simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the flavors meld perfectly. When ready, serve it hot and enjoy a delightful meal! - How to achieve the best texture for chicken: To get juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Cut them into strips. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning before cooking. Sear them in hot olive oil until golden brown. This locks in moisture and flavor. - Adjusting level of spiciness: If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning. For less spice, use less or skip it. Adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika can give a warm flavor without too much heat. - Presentation ideas for a visually appealing dish: Serve your pasta in shallow bowls. Sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top. Add a sprig of fresh parsley for color. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. - Recommended side dishes: Garlic bread is a great side. It pairs well with the creamy pasta. A simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette is also a nice touch. - Overcooking the pasta: Cook the fettuccine until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its texture. - Underseasoning the chicken: Don't skip on seasoning the chicken. Cajun seasoning adds great flavor. Make sure every piece is coated well before cooking. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Pro Tips Seasoning is Key: Ensure that the chicken is well-seasoned with Cajun spices for maximum flavor impact. Don't be shy with the seasoning! Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and bell peppers will add a more vibrant flavor to the dish compared to dried or preserved alternatives. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the fettuccine just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional chicken broth. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients to fit your taste or needs. - Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter dish, use milk instead of heavy cream. For a vegan option, try coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Both options keep the dish creamy. - Pasta Choices: Fettuccine is great, but you can also use penne or spaghetti. Each type brings a new shape and texture to your meal. Adding different flavors can make this dish exciting. - Adding Vegetables: Toss in mushrooms or spinach for some extra nutrition and taste. They add color and a nice texture. You can also use broccoli or zucchini if you prefer. - Spicing It Up: Want more heat? Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can also try different seasonings like thyme or oregano to change the flavor. You can easily make this dish fit your diet. - Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. It tastes great and keeps the dish gluten-free. - Low-Carb Options: If you want fewer carbs, consider using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. They are delicious and cut down on carbs while still being filling. To store your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, use an airtight container. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. Make sure the pasta is cool before sealing. You should keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use the stove for the best results. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. The goal is to heat it gently, so it stays smooth and delicious. Yes, you can freeze this dish! First, let it cool completely. Then, store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, just like before, for the best texture. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture, before eating. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. To prep ahead, cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. This way, you prevent sogginess. When ready to serve, mix them with the sauce. Heat everything gently to preserve the creaminess. You can serve this pasta with a variety of sides. Garlic bread is a popular choice. A simple salad with greens and a light vinaigrette also works well. For something heartier, consider roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian. Use plant-based chicken alternatives or sautéed mushrooms. Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for richness. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to enhance the flavors without meat. In this blog post, we covered how to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We went through each ingredient and outlined the step-by-step cooking process. I shared tips to enhance your dish and avoid common mistakes. Variations allow you to personalize the recipe to suit your taste. Finally, you learned how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Enjoy cooking this flavorful meal, and don't be afraid to make it your own!$

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and fettuccine.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
8 oz fettuccine pasta
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sear until fully cooked and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper is tender.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the fettuccine pasta. Toss to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad.

Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta