Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
The recipe starts by marinating chicken in olive oil and Cajun seasoning. The seasoned chicken is grilled in a cast iron pan until cooked through, creating a charred and flavorful exterior. Meanwhile, penne pasta is cooked in boiling salted water and drained.
A sauce is made by melting butter and cooking minced garlic briefly to release aroma. Heavy cream is then whisked in with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese to create a thickened, savory sauce with subtle acidity from the lemon. The cooked pasta is combined into the sauce and gently tossed for even coating.
The grilled chicken is served alongside or atop the pasta and garnished with diced Roma tomatoes and chopped fresh parsley. This adds freshness and color to the dish. The seasoning and cooking method highlight a spiced yet creamy profile with tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or more, to taste
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 2 Roma tomato diced
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped fresh leaves
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil and cajun seasoning.
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook, flipping once, until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Set aside and keep warm.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and lemon zest. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more heavy cream as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Stir in pasta and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately with chicken, garnished with tomatoes and parsley, if desired.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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