Description
Creamy cajun chicken pasta delivers a spicy symphony of Southern flavors dancing through tender pasta strands. Louisiana-inspired spices and silky sauce invite passionate cooks to savor each richly seasoned bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by boiling in salted water until it reaches a tender yet firm texture, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken generously with Cajun spice blend, ensuring even coverage across all surfaces.
- Heat a substantial skillet over medium-high temperature and introduce olive oil to create a sizzling cooking environment.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior while cooking thoroughly.
- Once chicken is completely cooked and no longer pink, transfer to a clean plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and introduce minced garlic, quickly sautéing until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- Stream heavy cream into the liquid, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, stirring until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the sauce, then gently fold in the prepared pasta, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the dish’s complex flavor profile.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming hot, presenting a vibrant and enticing Cajun-inspired meal.
Notes
- Customize the Cajun seasoning’s heat level by adjusting the amount or using a mild blend for sensitive palates.
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- Gluten-free option: Use alternative pasta like zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg