Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cajun-seasoned chicken, bell pepper, onion, and garlic are tossed with pasta in a creamy sauce. The dairy tempers the chile heat while the vegetables keep the dish from feeling too heavy.

Mealtime: Dinner

Type: Main Course

Cuisine: American (Cajun)

Dietary Preferences: Can be adapted to Gluten-Free

Cooking Time: Medium (30 minutes)

Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate

Seasonal Preference: All-Year-Round

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 550

Protein: 30g

Carbs: 50g

Fat: 25g

Fiber: 3g

Kid-Friendly: Moderate (due to spiciness)

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley, for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
5. Add heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Variations and Serving Suggestions: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. You can also adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness. This dish pairs well with a light, crisp salad and a cold beer or a glass of white wine.