Creamy cajun chicken pasta
Ingredients:
8 ounces rotini pasta
Olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
chicken breast
Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup mince onion
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cup Heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
fresh squeezed of lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup Parmesan
instructions :
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium
Cut breast chicken into butterfly cut and season on both sides with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning and add to skillet for about three minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Remove the chicken from the skillet, and return it to the medium heat.
Melt the butter, add the garlic and onion and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce stir for few minutes then add heavy cream and chicken broth. Cook until the sauce thickens. Add Cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Add Parmesan cheese stir occasionally. Set aside some sauce to drizzle the chicken. Add the pasta and fresh parsley. Season salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately with chicken on top of pasta garnish with parsley and with the set aside sauce.
Enjoy!
Certainly! Here are some secrets and tips to achieve the perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the rotini pasta just until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce later. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and affect the overall texture of the dish.
- Season Chicken Well: Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides to ensure they are flavorful. Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat by seasoning it in advance, ideally for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Sear Chicken Properly: Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet over medium heat until they develop a golden-brown crust on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through while remaining juicy and tender.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Onion: Fresh garlic and onion add aromatic flavor to the dish. Mince the garlic finely and sauté it along with the onion in butter until fragrant to release their flavors into the sauce.
- Balance Creaminess with Tomato Sauce: The combination of heavy cream and tomato sauce creates a creamy yet tangy base for the pasta sauce. Adjust the ratio of cream to tomato sauce according to your preference for richness and acidity.
- Thicken Sauce Appropriately: Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens to the desired consistency. Be patient and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet or burning.
- Add Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the cream and cheese. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for a subtle citrus flavor.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese Gradually: Add the Parmesan cheese gradually to the sauce, stirring continuously, to ensure it melts evenly and creates a smooth, creamy texture without clumps.
- Save Some Sauce for Drizzling: Reserve a portion of the sauce to drizzle over the cooked chicken before serving. This adds extra flavor and moisture to the chicken and enhances its presentation.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Sprinkle it over the pasta just before serving for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Season Sauce to Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce Just Before Serving: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing it gently to coat evenly. This ensures that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce and maintains its texture.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are best served immediately after assembling to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the sauce from thickening too much. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
- Arrange Chicken on Top: Place the cooked Cajun chicken breasts on top of the plated pasta just before serving. This allows the chicken to remain tender and juicy and prevents it from becoming soggy if mixed into the pasta.
- Drizzle with Reserved Sauce: Finish the dish by drizzling the reserved sauce over the chicken and pasta for added flavor and visual appeal. Garnish with additional parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
By following these secrets and tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s bursting with flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible appeal. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. While rotini works well for holding the creamy sauce, you can also use penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While the pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove and cook the pasta fresh before serving.
- How spicy is this dish with Cajun seasoning?
- The level of spiciness can vary depending on the brand of Cajun seasoning used and personal preference. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your desired level of heat. You can also use a mild Cajun seasoning blend if you prefer less spice.
- Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may require slightly longer to cook through.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy with these substitutions, but it will still be delicious.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
- While tomato sauce provides a smooth texture and concentrated tomato flavor, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Simply dice the tomatoes and cook them down in the skillet until they break down and form a sauce-like consistency.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or chickpeas.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this pasta dish?
- Cream-based sauces may not freeze well as they can separate and become grainy when reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
- What can I serve as a side dish with Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- This pasta dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as garlic bread, a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the creamy sauce and Cajun seasoning.
- Can I adjust the amount of garlic in the recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves for a stronger garlic flavor. Conversely, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of garlic or omit it altogether.
These are just a few commonly asked questions about Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, along with their answers, to help you prepare and enjoy this delicious dish with confidence!