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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Chicken breasts are your main protein. I like to slice them into strips for quick cooking. Pasta is next; fettuccine or penne works great here. The creamy base comes from heavy cream and chicken broth. Lastly, don’t forget the Parmesan cheese for that rich, cheesy finish. - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste Cajun seasoning adds that bold, spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. A pinch of salt and black pepper helps enhance the flavors. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color to the dish. Fresh spinach adds a nice touch of greens. Garlic is a must; it gives a wonderful aroma. Mince it finely to blend well into the sauce. {{ingredient_image_2}} How do I season the chicken? First, take the chicken breasts and slice them into strips. Place the strips in a mixing bowl. Add two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Toss the chicken well. Make sure every piece is coated with the spice mix. This gives the chicken a bold flavor. What is the cooking process? Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate. Keep it warm while you prepare the pasta. How do I boil the pasta? Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. What should I do after draining? Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Remember to save some pasta water in a cup. You may need it later for the sauce. How do I sauté the garlic? In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to low. Add three finely minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for about one minute. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn. What do I add next? Slowly pour in one cup of chicken broth. Let it come to a gentle simmer. After that, add one cup of heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well mixed. How do I mix in the vegetables and chicken? Now, toss in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of fresh spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the tomatoes should soften. How do I adjust the sauce consistency? Return the cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Stir until you reach the desired consistency. Finally, sprinkle in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce. - Seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish before serving. If it needs more kick, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Balance is key for a rich flavor. - Cooking pasta perfectly: Always use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Salt the water well. It should taste like the ocean. This adds flavor to the pasta itself. - Recommended cookware: Use a large pot for boiling pasta. A spacious skillet works best for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. A good non-stick skillet can help with easy cleanup. - Gadgets to simplify the process: A quality cutting board and sharp knife make slicing chicken and veggies easy. A pasta strainer helps drain cooked pasta quickly. - Presentation ideas: Serve your creamy pasta in deep bowls. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for flair. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. - Best sides to serve: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A light salad helps balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Always opt for fresh produce when possible for the best results. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase. Reserve Pasta Water: Keeping a cup of reserved pasta water is key! It helps to loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta, ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful. Garnish Wisely: Always finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of fresh flavor. {{image_4}} You can swap proteins in this recipe. Shrimp works great if you like seafood. Tofu is a good choice for a plant-based meal. Both offer a nice texture and flavor. For dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This will keep the dish creamy and rich without dairy. You can also try non-dairy cheese for a tasty finish. Want a milder dish? Use less Cajun seasoning. Start with half the amount and add more if needed. You still get some flavor without the heat. To kick up the spice, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Mix them into the sauce for that extra kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. You can use different pasta shapes for this dish. Bowtie or rotini are fun options. They hold the sauce well and add variety to your meal. If you need gluten-free pasta, try rice or quinoa pasta. They cook well and pair nicely with the creamy sauce. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results. To store your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. If you want to save your creamy Cajun chicken pasta for later, you can freeze it. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir well to combine everything. You can also microwave it, but stir every minute for even heating. This way, your dish stays delicious and full of flavor! How to make the dish spicier? To add heat, you can use more Cajun seasoning. You could also add red pepper flakes. If you like, diced jalapeños will amp up the spice level. Start small, then taste and adjust as needed. Can I prepare it ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. When ready to serve, heat them together with the sauce. This keeps flavors fresh and prevents soggy pasta. Caloric content and serving size Each serving of creamy Cajun chicken pasta has about 500 calories. This is based on four servings. Keep in mind that portion sizes can vary. Healthy modifications For a lighter meal, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a light cream. You can use whole wheat pasta for more fiber. Adding more veggies can boost nutrients and flavor. Brief history of Cajun cuisine Cajun cuisine has roots in Louisiana. It blends French, Spanish, and African flavors. Cajuns were originally farmers and fishermen, using local ingredients for hearty meals. This style focuses on bold spices and rich flavors. Popularity of Cajun pasta dishes Cajun pasta has gained fame for its unique taste. It mixes classic pasta with spicy Cajun flair. Many enjoy this twist on Italian dishes for its vibrancy and comfort. It's a favorite at family dinners and gatherings. To sum up, this blog post guides you through making a tasty Cajun pasta dish. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to adjust flavors and make it perfect for your taste. Variations like different proteins and pasta types offer fun choices. Storing leftovers and answering common questions helps you keep this dish fresh. Enjoy making and sharing your Cajun pasta creation! It’s all about flavor and ease in the kitchen.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Extravaganza

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, add the chicken strips and sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning. Toss well to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the spice blend for an explosive flavor.
  • Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to the package guidelines until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  • In a spacious skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
  • Return the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is lovingly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and stir until it’s beautifully melted throughout.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

Notes

Serve with extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta