Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

$You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them into strips for easy cooking. Next, use two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This spice mix gives the dish a bold kick. Toss the chicken strips with the seasoning until they are well coated. This step is key to a flavorful meal. For the pasta, I prefer eight ounces of fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. You will also need one cup of heavy cream. This makes the sauce rich and creamy. Chop up one cup of cherry tomatoes and set them aside. Use a bell pepper, either red or yellow, and slice it. Dice one small onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These veggies add color and taste. Lastly, grab one cup of spinach leaves. They wilt nicely into the sauce. For garnishing, have fresh parsley ready and some grated Parmesan cheese. These add a tasty finish to your dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by slicing the chicken breasts into strips. Take a bowl and add the Cajun seasoning. Toss the chicken in the bowl until it is well-coated. This adds a great flavor to your dish. Next, fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add the fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes. Make sure they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add one more tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This will bring out their natural sweetness. After the veggies are soft, lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and mix it well. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Now, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked fettuccine and gently toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Cajun chicken pasta is now ready to enjoy! To make your Cajun chicken pop, focus on the seasoning. Use two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning for two chicken breasts. Coat the chicken strips well. You want every bite to have flavor. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Cooking pasta correctly is key for texture. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should be firm, not mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside but don’t rinse it. This keeps the starch that helps the sauce cling. If you have leftovers, store them right to keep them fresh. Let the pasta cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to revive the sauce. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preference. For a milder dish, reduce the seasoning or use a milder blend. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh vegetables and herbs when possible for the best flavor. Fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes make a significant difference. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for many proteins. Shrimp works well. Just add them to the skillet after the veggies. Cook until they turn pink. You can also use sausage for a heartier dish. Slice it up and sauté it with the chicken. For a lighter option, try using tofu. It soaks up flavors well. If you want a meatless dish, make some easy swaps. Use mushrooms instead of chicken for a savory taste. Zucchini noodles can replace pasta for a low-carb meal. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots to give it a boost. Spinach and cherry tomatoes still fit perfectly in this mix. The cream sauce can change based on your taste. For a tangy kick, add lemon juice and zest. A touch of garlic powder can enhance the flavor too. If you want a smoky taste, smoked paprika is a great choice. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish creamy but not too rich. Store any leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any changes in smell or color. If everything looks good, it's ready to go! You can freeze Cajun chicken pasta for longer storage. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat the pasta on the stovetop for the best taste. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low, stirring often until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Yes, you can make Cajun chicken pasta ahead of time. Cook it, cool it, and store it in the fridge. Just keep the sauce and pasta separate until you heat it up again. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. When you want to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream to bring back the sauce's richness. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. Another option is to blend silken tofu with a little water for a smooth texture. Each option changes the flavor slightly, so pick what suits your taste. To tone down the heat, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add more cream or milk to balance the spice. Adding sweet bell peppers or tomatoes can help, too. They add sweetness and reduce the spicy taste. Enjoy your meal without the burn! Cajun Chicken Pasta combines savory chicken, flavorful spices, and rich cream. You learned how to prepare it step-by-step and master key tips. Remember to store leftovers well for later meals. Feel free to get creative with proteins or make it vegetarian. Enjoy your cooking and taste this delight!$

A flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy Cajun chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup spinach leaves
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down, about 2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the spicy chicken pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to taste.

Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, spicy