Description
A perfect fusion of bold Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken over pasta. This dish brings the heart of Louisiana to your table. Easy to make and customize!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onions and bell peppers until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken. Add pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if necessary.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the Spice Level: Tailor the heat to your preference by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use less or opt for a low-heat Cajun blend.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm) to ensure it holds its shape when mixed with the creamy sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Save Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a perfectly creamy and cohesive sauce. Use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency without diluting its flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes