Looking to add some excitement to your dinner table? Look no further than creamy Cajun chicken pasta. This mouthwatering dish combines succulent chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning. Bursting with warmth and flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, perfect for both cozy nights in and lively gatherings with friends and family.
### Ingredients:
#### For the Cajun Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
#### For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Cajun Chicken:**
- In a bowl, season the chicken breast slices with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. **Make the Creamy Sauce:**
- In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce:**
- Return the cooked chicken slices to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Transfer the creamy Cajun chicken pasta to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors with each comforting bite!
Creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the indulgent creaminess of a pasta sauce. Perfectly seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic come together in a rich and satisfying sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So spice up your dinner routine and treat yourself to a flavor-packed adventure with creamy Cajun chicken pasta!
