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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped I love using simple yet bold ingredients in my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Each one adds a unique flavor. First, I use two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and soak up the spices well. Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a spicy kick. I recommend two tablespoons for a balanced heat. Next, I add olive oil to the skillet. It keeps the chicken from sticking and adds richness. Minced garlic and diced onion create a fragrant base. A bell pepper adds sweetness and color. You can use red or green—both work great. The sauce uses heavy cream and chicken broth. The cream makes it rich and smooth. The broth adds depth to the flavor. I always include mozzarella cheese for a melty finish. Finally, I choose fettuccine or penne pasta. Both types hold the creamy sauce well. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for the final touch. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook pasta until al dente. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt, as it helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta. I love using fettuccine or penne for this dish. Cook it according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta but save a little water in case you need it for the sauce later. - Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. - Sear chicken in olive oil until cooked. While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken breasts. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning all over them. Make sure to coat both sides well. This spice mix is what gives your dish that bold flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear it for 5-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Afterward, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing it into thin strips. - Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet. - Cook until onion is translucent. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. This is where the magic happens! Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent and the bell pepper to soften. The aroma will be fantastic! - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. - Simmer until sauce thickens. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. This creamy sauce will be the star of your pasta dish! - Toss cooked pasta with sauce. - Incorporate sliced chicken and cheese. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it well so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Then, add the sliced chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is combined. Taste it and add salt and pepper to your liking. - Garnish with parsley before plating. Remove the skillet from heat. To make your dish look pretty, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley before plating. The green color adds a nice touch! Serve it warm and enjoy your meal. - How to properly season chicken: To make your chicken full of flavor, sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides. Use enough to cover it well. This makes each bite tasty and bold. - Recommended pasta types for best results: Fettuccine or penne works best. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well. You can also try linguine or rigatoni for a fun twist. - Adjusting thickness with pasta water: If your sauce is too thick, save some pasta water. Add a little to the sauce to loosen it up. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. - Substituting ingredients for dietary needs: You can use low-fat cream or a plant-based cream for a lighter option. If you need gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. These swaps keep the dish tasty for everyone. - Best serving dishes and garnishes: Serve the pasta in deep bowls. Top each dish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. This adds color and makes it look gourmet. - Pairing recommendations: Garlic bread is a great side for this dish. A fresh salad adds crunch and balance. Together, they make a perfect meal. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken. Both options bring a new taste to the meal. If you want a vegetarian dish, use firm tofu or add more veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli work great. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy pasta. To boost flavors, think about adding sundried tomatoes or fresh spinach. Both add a wonderful touch to the dish. You can also try different seasoning blends. A bit of smoked paprika or Italian herbs can create a unique flavor. Experimenting with these additions makes the recipe your own. Need gluten-free options? You can use gluten-free pasta brands. They cook well and taste great in this dish. If you avoid dairy, there are dairy-free creams available. Look for coconut cream or almond milk as a base. Both give a creamy texture without dairy, making this dish enjoyable for everyone. To keep your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to avoid drying out. Make sure to let the pasta cool down before sealing it. This helps to keep the cream sauce nice and creamy. When reheating, you want to avoid dry pasta. The best way is to add a splash of chicken broth or cream. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. For the stovetop, place the pasta in a skillet. Add a little broth or cream and stir. Heat over medium-low until warm. This method keeps your pasta creamy and flavorful. If you want to save some for later, freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This helps maintain the texture. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop with some added cream or broth for the best results. This way, your dish tastes fresh even after freezing! You can use several ingredients instead of heavy cream. Here are some options: - Milk and butter: Combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. - Greek yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for a thick and creamy texture. - Coconut milk: This adds a hint of sweetness and a unique flavor. - Silken tofu: Blend it until smooth for a dairy-free choice. These alternatives work well and still give a creamy feel. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and mix in the pasta. The spiciness depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you like it mild, use less seasoning. You can also add sour cream or yogurt to cool it down. For extra heat, add more seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. In this blog post, I covered how to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and storage tips. I also shared variations to make this dish your own. Final thought: This recipe offers both comfort and flavor. You can impress anyone at your table with ease. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with it!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of the South with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight! This easy recipe combines perfectly seared chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich cream sauce with pasta to create a meal that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it's sure to impress! Click through to discover the full recipe and learn how to whip up this delicious dish in just 30 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 bell pepper (choose red or green for a pop of color), diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

    Season the Chicken: While the pasta boils, take the chicken breasts and generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides, ensuring they are evenly coated and flavorful.

      Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a golden brown color and are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, allow it to rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.

        Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper is tender.

          Make the Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, careful to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss it well to ensure it is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. Then, incorporate the sliced chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed.

              Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Generously garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley before plating.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in deep bowls, topping each serving with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a colorful touch. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal!