Cajun Chicken Pasta: Quick and Delicious Dinner in 30 Minutes
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the bold spices of Cajun cuisine with creamy pasta goodness. This dish features tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich cream sauce tossed with linguine. It’s a delightful meal that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love Cajun Chicken Pasta for its vibrant flavors and creamy texture. The Cajun seasoning gives it a warm, spicy kick, while the heavy cream balances it out perfectly. Plus, this dish is simple to make and uses easily accessible ingredients, which means anyone can whip it up. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this pasta dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking for substitutions or variations, here are a few ideas:
- Pasta: You can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.
- Chicken: Shrimp or sausage can be great alternatives to chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, to add more nutrients.
- Cream: Coconut milk can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the linguine according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, take the chicken breasts and season them generously with Cajun seasoning. Make sure to coat them well for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes on each side. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté them until they soften, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked linguine and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce, ensuring it’s well mixed.
Step 7: Season & Serve
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Success tips
- Temperature: Ensure that the skillet is hot enough to add the chicken; this helps achieve a nice golden crust.
- Texture: Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Common mistakes: A common mistake is not seasoning the chicken well enough or allowing the sauce to boil too rapidly, which can cause it to separate.
How to serve
Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served hot immediately after cooking. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a colorful touch. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help revive the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with the pasta just before serving for the best results.
What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a light salad, or roasted vegetables.
Is it spicy?
Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using a milder seasoning blend or reducing the amount used.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter, dairy-free version.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can create your own Cajun seasoning blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and oregano.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty meal that provides protein and carbs. The heavy cream elevates the calorie count, so consider lighter alternatives if you’re watching your intake.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its creamy sauce and spicy kick, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
If you love this recipe, check out our related recipes below for more tasty ideas!
Links to related recipes
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Spicy Sausage and Penne Pasta
- Vegetable Alfredo Pasta
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Start by cooking the linguine according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Next, season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, coating them well for maximum flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer to allow flavors to meld together.
- Add cooked linguine and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine until pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.