Craving a restaurant-quality meal that'll set your taste buds on fire without leaving your kitchen? Get ready to dive into the most mouthwatering Cajun Chicken Pasta that'll transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana! This creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible dish is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines the perfect blend of bold Cajun flavors with classic pasta perfection. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a spectacular weeknight meal, this recipe is your ultimate culinary adventure waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Pat chicken breast slices dry with paper towels. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides of the chicken.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to become hot and shimmering.
- Add seasoned chicken slices to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until cream begins to thicken.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add cooked fettuccine and toss everything together, ensuring pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the Cajun cream sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy your Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, make sure to pat the meat completely dry before seasoning. This helps the Cajun spices stick better and creates a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets beautifully caramelized.
- The secret to a smooth cream sauce is to keep the heat low and stir continuously when adding cheese to prevent separation.
- If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your Cajun seasoning or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water is your magic ingredient - it helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every single noodle perfectly.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Cajun cooking is all about building layers of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 180mg
