– **Title**: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it back to a simmer.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
7. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is great for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you’re out of penne, consider using fusilli, rigatoni, or any pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes cook differently!
Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast is the lean protein in this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with turkey breast. Alternatively, you could use shrimp or even cooked sausage for a different twist.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend of spices brings the heat and flavor! If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne will work well. Adjust spices based on your heat preference.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream. If dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar texture without the lactose.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a rich, salty flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a fantastic substitute. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free option that adds a cheesy flavor too.
How Do I Make the Cream Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
Creating a creamy sauce is easy, but it requires a few steps to ensure it comes out right. Here’s how:
- Start by heating the heavy cream and chicken broth gently in the skillet. This prevents the cream from curdling when added to the heat.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually. This helps it melt smoothly and incorporates well, making the sauce creamy.
- To avoid clumps, use a whisk to stir as you add cheese—this helps create that velvety texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up a bit.
Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving! You want the sauce to be rich but balanced. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add in the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. When it’s ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes, until the bell pepper is soft and fragrant. This adds a wonderful flavor to your dish!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time for the sauce! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir it in until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. This will be the delicious base for your pasta!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken and the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
6. Season and Garnish:
Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Then, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice pop of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta works great in this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rotini, or even whole wheat or gluten-free varieties. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter (use 1 cup of milk plus 2 tablespoons of melted butter). Keep in mind that these alternatives will make the sauce slightly less rich, so you might want to add a little extra Parmesan cheese for creaminess!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to amp up the veggie content by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the red bell pepper to ensure they’re tender by the time you add the cream sauce.
