Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a deliciously spicy and indulgent dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines a blend of Cajun spices with smooth creaminess to create a comforting and restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them generously with Cajun seasoning to ensure every piece is infused with spicy, flavorful seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, which will build the base for the sauce.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so each ingredient is coated evenly in the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm and indulgent.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a thinner sauce.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to absorb sauce when combined.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
