Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
This recipe begins by seasoning chunks of chicken breast thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cooking it over medium-high heat until browned and just cooked through. After removing the chicken, the pan is used to sauté sliced red and green bell peppers and diced onions, softening them to add sweetness and texture.
Next, heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, and additional Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper are added and brought to a boil, then simmered to thicken into a creamy sauce. Parmesan cheese is melted into this sauce for richness and depth. The cooked chicken and penne pasta are returned to the pan and stirred to coat everything evenly.
The final dish offers a combination of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors with tender chicken and al dente pasta. This pasta works well as a standalone main dish, providing a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and starch.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into 1" pieces, boneless skinless
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until melted.
- Meanwhile, combine 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a zippered bag. Add chopped chicken, zip closed, and shake until chicken is coated.
- Transfer chicken to heated pan and cook until chicken is browned and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to pan and allow it to melt.
- Add peppers and onion and cook until beginning to soften (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking until sauce is thickened.
- Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Return cooked chicken and add cooked pasta, stir well and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 566 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 566 | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Cholesterol | 172mg | 57% |
| Sodium | 492mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 668mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2600IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 43.6mg | 48% |
| Calcium | 129mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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