Cajun Chicken Pasta

Savor the World.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe to impress your guests or enjoy on a quiet night, Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. With a combination of spicy seasonings, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish will not only be a hit at the table, but it will also take you on a journey to the vibrant flavors of the Southern United States. So, let’s do it!

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Servings: 4 people

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g), cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (15 g)
8 oz pasta (225 g), such as penne or fettuccine
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
1 red bell pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
1 teaspoon onion powder (5 g)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (5 g)

Materials Needed

1 large pan or whatever size you have, just consider the quantity
1 pot for cooking the pasta
1 wooden spoon or spatula
1 strainer to drain the pasta

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Did You Know?

Although Cajun Chicken Pasta is a popular dish inspired by Louisiana’s bold flavors, it is not a traditional Cajun meal! It was actually created as a fusion dish, blending the creamy richness of Italian alfredo sauce with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. This unique combination makes it a comfort food favorite worldwide!

Instructions

Alright, first things first: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, it's time to add the chicken strips and season with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Then, remove it and set it aside.
While the chicken is cooking, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Once the chicken is removed, add the sliced red bell pepper to the same pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Now, in the same pan, add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, but be careful it thickens without burning.
On the other side, cook the pasta in a pot with water and salt according to the package instructions, making sure it's al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Now it's time to add the chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Mix well and add the cooked pasta. Don't stop gently stirring until everything is well combined.
It's time to add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s well integrated and the pasta is fully coated.
Done! Easy, right? Now just serve hot and add a little extra touch by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.

Preparation Tips

If you want a more intense and defined flavor, marinate the chicken with the Cajun seasoning for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking it.
If you prefer the sauce to be thicker, simply add more heavy cream or lower the heat and let the sauce thicken for a bit longer.
For a healthier option, it’s best to use whole wheat pasta to add fiber to the recipe and make it healthier.
If you like a little extra spice, you can add some hot sauce, paprika, or crushed red peppers to taste.
Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry, and no one likes that. Cook on medium-high heat and keep an eye on it.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 550 kcal
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 4 g
Protein: 38 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional Benefits

It's no secret that chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle development and cell repair. The Cajun seasoning, besides being delicious, is made with spices like paprika and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. On the other hand, heavy cream, although high in calories, provides a significant dose of calcium and healthy fats. Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also provides a good amount of calcium and protein. Finally, the touch of fresh parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which contribute to eye health, immune function, and blood clotting. If you use whole wheat pasta, it can add extra fiber to help improve digestion.

History or Inspiration of the Recipe

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dish that combines the delicious and spicy flavors of traditional Southern U.S. cuisine with the smoothness of Italian pasta. As we know, its origin is in the Louisiana region, where French and Spanish influences blended with African American culinary traditions to create a unique and undeniably flavorful cuisine. The Cajun seasoning, which is the heart of this recipe and many others, comes from the spices used by the region’s inhabitants to give their dishes a distinctive flavor, reflecting their love for bold, spiced food. Pasta, the classic Italian staple, was adapted to this style to create a dish that is now popular in both the Southern U.S. and around the world. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious mix of cultures and flavors that evoke the soul of Louisiana and Italy, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Side Dish Suggestions

Caesar Salad: This fresh salad with creamy Caesar dressing pairs perfectly with the spicy flavor of Cajun pasta.
Garlic Bread: A crispy, golden garlic bread is undoubtedly a great side dish for this creamy dish.
Steamed Vegetables: If you want even more veggies, add steamed ones like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus to balance out the bold flavors of the main dish.
White Wine: To drink, a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the spicy and creamy flavors of the pasta very well.
Spinach Salad: Another lighter option is a fresh spinach salad with walnuts and a balsamic vinaigrette, which can add freshness to the dish without feeling too heavy.

Recipe Variations

Grilled Chicken: In this variation, instead of cooking the chicken in the pan, you can grill it to give it a smoky flavor.

Vegetarian: For those who prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Also, add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.

Seafood Pasta: Oh, my favorite! Here, replace the chicken with shrimp or salmon for a delicious and incredible Cajun seafood recipe. I love it!

Dairy-Free Creamy Pasta: For those who are lactose intolerant, you can use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will change.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta: Here, just add roasted zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes for a version richer in vegetables.

So, without a doubt, Cajun Chicken Pasta is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds, but also allow you to enjoy an authentic blend of unique flavors and cultures. Its spicy kick, creaminess, and the versatility of its ingredients make this dish perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss out on making it and sharing the taste of Louisiana in your home!

Tastes of La Paz.