Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
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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
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Calories
456 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines pan-seared chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, providing a seasoned, mildly spicy protein component. The pasta cooks separately and is later tossed into a creamy sauce made by sautéing finely diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil, then incorporating almond milk and gluten-free flour to create a smooth base. Parmesan cheese and lemon zest are stirred in last, contributing creaminess and a slight tang. The resulting sauce clings well to the pasta for a cohesive dish.
The flavors are balanced between the savory Cajun-spiced chicken and the mellow, cheesy sauce. The addition of fresh diced Roma tomatoes and chopped parsley adds a fresh, acidic contrast and herbal notes. The method uses simple stovetop techniques and allows the chicken to rest covered to retain moisture while the sauce is prepared.
This pasta pairs well as a main dish and can be served immediately for best texture and taste. It offers options for ingredient substitutions, such as Old Bay seasoning if a milder spice is desired, various types of pasta, and different milks or cheeses to tailor dietary needs or preferences.
If you prefer less spice, replace Cajun seasoning with Old Bay seasoning.Any preferred pasta can be used; gluten-free options like lentil or chickpea pasta work well.Almond milk can be substituted with other milk types as desired.In place of Parmesan, Romano cheese offers an alternative.Any type of flour suitable for thickening can replace gluten-free flour.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 chicken breast skinless and boneless
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz pasta gluten-free
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp gluten-free flour
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh
- 2 Roma tomato diced, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with the cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Cook it for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- To the same preheated skillet, add the remaining oil, onion, and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes, or until the onion softens.
- Next, add the almond milk, gluten-free flour and mix well to combine.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and bubbly. Turn the heat off.
- Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the sauce.
- Serve immediately with the sliced cajun chicken, fresh diced tomatoes, and freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- To reduce spiciness, substitute Cajun seasoning with Old Bay seasoning.
- Use your choice of pasta, including lentil or chickpea varieties for a healthier option.
- Any milk can be used in place of almond milk depending on preference.
- Try Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Any gluten-free flour suitable for thickening can be substituted.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 456 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 456kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 78mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 312mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 575mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1209IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 167mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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