Description
Cajun Chicken and Pasta is a vibrant dish that beautifully marries bold flavors with creamy indulgence. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe features tender chicken seasoned with spicy Cajun spices, enveloped in a rich sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Not only does it pack a punch of flavor, but it can also be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. The versatility of this dish allows you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences, ensuring a delightful meal for all.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ yellow onion
- 2 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine chicken with 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and salt/pepper. Shake to coat.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from pan.
- In the same pan, melt remaining butter; sauté diced onion and sliced bell peppers until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add heavy cream and remaining seasonings to the pan; simmer until sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in cooked chicken and parmesan cheese, then add pasta and mix until well coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like zucchini or switching out chicken for shrimp. For added spice, use a spicier Cajun seasoning or include crushed red pepper flakes.