Description
This Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken strips with colorful bell peppers in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add bell peppers and cook until tender. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and add Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated and heated through. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning or omitting the red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or add mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
