Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

$- Chicken and Spice Blend - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Pasta and Dairy Components - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Vegetables and Seasonings - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Gathering these ingredients is easy. You can find most in your local store. The chicken adds protein, while the Cajun seasoning gives a spicy kick. Fettuccine is perfect for holding the creamy sauce. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a rich base. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, and spinach brings color and nutrients. Garlic adds depth to the flavor. Finally, Parmesan cheese ties everything together with its salty goodness. This dish is fun to make and so satisfying to eat! You can impress anyone with these simple yet tasty ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the Chicken with Cajun Seasoning Start by taking the chicken breasts. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors sink in. Cooking the Chicken in the Skillet Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest. After a few minutes, slice it into strips. Boiling Fettuccine In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Draining and Reserving Pasta Water Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help the sauce later. Sautéing Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes Use the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good but not burn. Next, toss in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Combining Broth and Cream Lower the heat to medium. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture well. Bring it to a gentle simmer. The sauce should begin to thicken. Tossing Pasta with Sauce Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Keep mixing until the pasta is well coated. Adding Spinach and Parmesan Now, stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch the spinach wilt and the cheese melt. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, add the sliced Cajun chicken on top. Enjoy this delicious meal! - Marination Tips for Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with Cajun spice. Make sure you coat both sides well. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor. - Balancing Spiciness and Creaminess: Cajun seasoning packs a punch. To balance it, use heavy cream. The cream cools the heat while adding richness. You can adjust the spice to fit your taste. Add more or less seasoning as desired. - Ideal Cooking Times: Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure it's cooked through. The pasta should boil until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. - Skillet vs. Pot Cooking: Using a skillet for the chicken gives you a nice sear. It also helps capture flavors for the sauce. A pot is great for boiling pasta but doesn’t add flavor. Stick to a skillet for the sauce. - Serving Ideas and Garnishes: Serve the pasta in large bowls. Add extra Parmesan cheese on top for a lovely finish. A few cherry tomatoes will add color. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top makes it look even better. - Pairing with Side Dishes: Garlic bread pairs well with this dish. A crisp salad also makes a nice side. You can choose any side you love, but these work great! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate with Cajun seasoning for at least 15 minutes to enhance its flavor profile. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining; it’s the perfect way to adjust the sauce's consistency without losing flavor. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste and texture in your pasta dish. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor boost. {{image_2}} You can easily boost flavor by adding vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini work great. They add color and texture. Try using seasonal ingredients, like asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall. These swaps can keep your dish fresh and exciting. If you want to change the protein, shrimp is a fantastic choice. It cooks quickly and pairs well with the spices. Tofu is another great option for a plant-based meal. Just ensure you press it to remove extra water before cooking. For a vegan version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. To make the sauce dairy-free, use plant-based cream or nut milk. Almond or oat milk works well. If you like it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also reduce the spice by using less seasoning. Adjust to your taste for the perfect balance. To store leftovers, first let your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best storage, use glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. They help keep the taste and texture intact. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the ingredients. The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This method keeps the pasta from drying out. If you want to use the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. To keep the creaminess, avoid high heat. Adding extra cream or broth will help maintain that rich, smooth texture. This way, every bite stays delicious and satisfying. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices from Louisiana. It adds a bold flavor to dishes. Common ingredients in Cajun seasoning include: - Paprika - Cayenne pepper - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Oregano - Thyme - Black pepper - Salt You can find Cajun seasoning at most stores. You can also make your own at home. Just mix the spices above in a bowl. Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper. Yes, you can make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in advance. It works well for meal prep. Here are some meal prep ideas: - Cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. - Store them in separate containers in the fridge. - When you are ready to eat, combine them with the sauce. This dish stays tasty for a few days in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. For a great meal, serve this pasta with: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables These sides complement the rich flavors of the pasta. For wine pairing, try a crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well. They balance the spice and creaminess of the dish. This blog post covered how to create a tasty Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We talked about the key ingredients, from the chicken to the creamy sauce. I shared steps for cooking and how to make it shine on the plate. You can tweak the recipe with different veggies or proteins, too. In the end, you’ll have a fun dish to impress friends or family. Enjoy making this meal, and feel free to explore all the variations! Cooking is all about creativity!$

Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A deliciously spicy and creamy pasta dish featuring Cajun seasoned chicken, fettuccine, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach leaves
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes for deeper flavor.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, add the sliced Cajun chicken on top of the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in large pasta bowls with additional Parmesan sprinkled on top and a few whole cherry tomatoes for color. A slice of garlic bread on the side makes for a complete meal!

Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, spicy