Cajun Chicken Pasta
The ultimate comfort food, Cajun Chicken Pasta brings together creamy goodness and a kick of spice. This easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings and impress family and friends alike. Make it tonight for a delightful dining experience!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Large Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 5 garlic cloves
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces linguini pasta
- 1 diced tomato
- 1 sliced green onions
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, rubbing the seasoning on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet.
- Cook chicken (in batches if needed), about 3 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through (until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Bring a large, generously salted, pot of water to a boil. Cook linguini pasta according to package directions to al dente while preparing the sauce.
- Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter, onions and bell pepper. Cook until the onions have softened, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste until incorporated, cook until fragrant and paste becomes a deep, rusty red color, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, stirring until fully incorporated, and scraping any bits from the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and sauce begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency, ¼ to ½ cup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice cooked chicken and serve with pasta or stir into pasta if desired. Garnish with diced tomato, green onion and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Tip 2: I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
- Tip 3: Gently reheat any leftovers on low in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Tip 4: Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
- Tip 5: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.