Here’s the full recipe for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
- Optional: Assorted veggies (such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms), diced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 pound cooked pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, coat the chicken breast strips with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and optional diced veggies to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the cream and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, mixing them with the pasta and sauce until everything is heated through.
- Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, topped with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! It’s a perfect dish for a comforting weeknight meal or special occasion.
Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts in Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized strips and adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require slightly longer to cook.
- What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream for a lighter version?
- If you prefer a lighter version of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy whipping cream.
- Can I make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
- While Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Cook the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately, then combine them when ready to serve.
- What other veggies can I add to Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- You can customize Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta by adding a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
- Cajun seasoning typically contains a blend of spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and herbs. While it adds flavor and a bit of heat to dishes, you can adjust the amount to your preference to control the level of spiciness.
- Can I freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- Creamy pasta dishes with dairy-based sauces like Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta may not freeze well as the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
- What pasta shapes work best for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- Pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, linguine, or bowtie are ideal for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta as they hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.