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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Bold Flavor

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, featuring fettuccine noodles and chunks of chicken in a rich orange sauce, topped with fresh parsley.
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This recipe delivers a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken coated in a deeply seasoned Cajun sauce. It provides a bold flavor profile suitable for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (use a quality blend or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the cubed cream cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Stir the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use smoked sausage in addition to the chicken.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce without vegetable pieces, you can blend the sauce base before adding the cream and cheese.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on the saltiness and spice level of your specific blend.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-bold-flavor/