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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 small onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley and Parmesan for garnish What is Cajun seasoning? Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices. It adds bold flavor and a bit of heat. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own. Common spices include paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning is key for the dish's signature taste. Why fettuccine pasta? Fettuccine is flat and wide. This shape holds the creamy sauce well. It gives each bite a rich, satisfying texture. You can use other pasta, but fettuccine is the best choice for this recipe. What role does heavy cream play? Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. It balances the spices and adds depth. The cream helps create a luscious coating on the pasta. Using lighter cream will change the texture and taste. These ingredients come together to make a vibrant and flavorful meal. Enjoy cooking this easy and tasty Cajun chicken pasta! {{ingredient_image_2}} Season the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips. Place the chicken in a bowl, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Toss it well so each piece gets coated. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavor seep into the chicken. Cooking the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Sautéing the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Cook them for 5-6 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. The chicken should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Sautéing Vegetables: In that same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often. You want the veggies to become tender and fragrant. Combining All Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to mix it well with the veggies. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serving Suggestions: Serve the spicy chicken pasta in bowls. For a nice touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Add a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also serve it with a slice of lemon for a pop of color and extra flavor. To spice up your Cajun chicken pasta, you can adjust the spice level. If you like it hot, add more Cajun seasoning. For a milder taste, use less. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for extra heat. For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika. It brings a warm, smoky taste that pairs well with the Cajun spices. A splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish and adds a fresh kick. To keep your chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Cook the chicken only until it is golden and no longer pink inside. A quick tip is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices locked in. When sautéing vegetables, cook them until they are tender but still crisp. Start with onions and peppers, then add garlic. This order allows the flavors to build without burning the garlic. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cajun chicken pasta pairs nicely with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For wine, a chilled white, like Sauvignon Blanc, balances the spice well. To make your dish look great, garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. A slice of lemon on the side adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal with style! Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate in Cajun seasoning for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness. Perfect Pasta: Cook the fettuccine just until al dente; it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it doesn't become mushy. Add a Kick: If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream sauce for an extra kick. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant color to your dish. {{image_4}} You can change a few ingredients for a healthier dish. Instead of heavy cream, try using Greek yogurt or cashew cream. These choices cut calories and add protein. They also keep the sauce creamy and tasty. For pasta, fettuccine works well, but you can swap it for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. These options add fiber and fit different diets. Each pasta type brings its own charm to the dish. To mix things up, consider adding seafood. Shrimp or crawfish can give your Cajun chicken pasta a tasty twist. Just cook them along with the chicken for a savory bite. You can also add more veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn can boost the flavor and color. They make the dish more colorful and nutritious. Play around with what you have on hand! In spring and summer, use fresh vegetables. Asparagus, peas, and bell peppers are great choices. They add crunch and brightness to the dish. When it gets hot, you might want a cold pasta dish. Just cook the pasta, let it cool, and toss it with a dressing. Add some cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a refreshing summer meal. It’s a fun way to enjoy the same flavors in a new way! To keep your Cajun chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first before sealing. This helps prevent extra moisture and keeps the pasta from getting soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you notice any strange smells or colors, it’s best to toss it. If you want to freeze your Cajun chicken pasta, follow these steps. First, let the pasta cool completely. Next, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It’s best to eat frozen pasta within 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to help make the sauce smooth again. Can you make Cajun chicken pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can make Cajun chicken pasta ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan or microwave. This keeps the flavors strong. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand? If you lack Cajun seasoning, mix spices you have. Use paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Combine these to get a similar flavor. Experiment with spices you enjoy. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free because of the fettuccine pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Can it be made dairy-free? Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. Check the Cajun seasoning to ensure it’s dairy-free too. How to make a lighter version of this dish? To make a lighter version, use less cream or a lower-fat option. You can also add more veggies. Try using zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers. This adds nutrition and taste. What to do if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. Stir in small amounts until you reach the right consistency. This keeps the flavor while adjusting the sauce. Cajun chicken pasta is a tasty and easy dish to make. We covered essential ingredients like chicken, pasta, and Cajun seasoning. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, tips to enhance flavor, and fun variations. Remember to serve it with a side of fresh veggies or garlic bread for the best experience. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy cooking, and make it your own!

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, add the sliced chicken breasts. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a few minutes for the flavors to absorb.
  • Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are tender and fragrant.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetables. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves, cooking just until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce and that all ingredients are combined. Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  • Dish the spicy chicken pasta into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish.

Notes

For an added touch, serve the pasta with a slice of lemon on the side for a burst of color and flavor.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, spicy