Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups chicken broth - 12 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish This recipe serves four people. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends. Each serving is rich and creamy, making it a filling option. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you prefer. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also choose whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder works well. Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula for a different flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by slicing the chicken breasts thinly. Place them in a bowl. Then, add the Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece is coated well. This step brings out the flavor in the chicken. Set it aside while you prepare to cook. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked through. Check the chicken; it should not be pink inside. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. You want it to smell nice but not burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the heavy cream. Let it bubble softly for a few minutes. This helps blend all the flavors together. To make the sauce creamy, start with the right heat. Use medium heat when adding the chicken broth. If it's too hot, the cream can curdle. Gradually stir in the heavy cream to blend it well. This slow addition helps keep the sauce smooth. You can also mix in the Parmesan cheese at the end. This adds richness and flavor. Make sure to stir until the cheese melts completely. Cooking pasta well is key to this dish. Use a large pot with plenty of water. Salt the water before adding the fettuccine. This step enhances the pasta’s flavor. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's thickness later. If your sauce feels too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it. Cajun seasoning is the star here, but you can boost flavors easily. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also enhance the dish. Don’t forget to taste as you cook! Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you want more heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect balance! Pro Tips Season Generously: Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor. The seasoning will enhance the dish and give it that authentic Cajun kick. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the fettuccine while it cooks. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so aim for al dente for the best texture. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes. Fresh ingredients will elevate the dish’s flavor and overall presentation. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. Adjust to your taste for the perfect creamy consistency. {{image_4}} Sometimes, you may want to switch up the protein. Shrimp works great in this dish. Just sauté the shrimp in the same oil until pink. Tofu is another option if you prefer plant-based. Use firm tofu and cube it. Sauté it until golden for a nice texture. Both options will soak up the Cajun flavors well. If you like it hot, add extra Cajun seasoning. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the seasoning or skip it in the sauce. Remember, you can always add spice later. Taste as you go, and find your perfect heat level. To make this dish vegetarian, simply remove the chicken. Replace it with more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. For a vegan twist, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You still get a creamy texture and rich flavor with these changes. To store leftovers, wait for the pasta to cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure it seals well to keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. When you want to reheat, use a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat on low until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Store it in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date, so you remember when you made it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can. While I love fettuccine in this dish, you can try penne, rotini, or linguine. Each pasta brings a unique texture and shape. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Each substitute will change the flavor slightly, but they still work well. To reduce the spice, cut back on the Cajun seasoning. You can also add more cream or use a little sugar to balance the heat. Adding more tomatoes and spinach can help cool the dish down too. Adjust until it suits your taste! This blog post covered everything you need for creamy Cajun chicken pasta. We explored ingredients, cooked the chicken, and made a tasty sauce. You learned useful tips for flavor and cooking your pasta just right. I shared fun variations like shrimp and vegan options, plus storage advice. My final thought: this dish is flexible and fun! You can make it your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing your creamy pasta with friends and family!$

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
12 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, generously coat the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring all pieces are evenly seasoned for maximum flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant but not burnt.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the heavy cream, allowing the mixture to bubble softly for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Add the fettuccine pasta to the simmering sauce. Cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente (typically around 8-10 minutes).
In the final 2 minutes of the pasta cooking, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Once the pasta is al dente, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness if desired.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta