Lightened Up Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lightened Up Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
Lightened Up Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings together chicken breast strips seasoned with a mix of salt, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and herbs to provide a gentle Cajun flair. The chicken is cooked until golden and combined with sautéed bell peppers and onions, enhancing the dish with color and sweetness. Cooked fettuccine noodles are enveloped in a sauce prepared from butter, minced garlic, softened cream cheese, milk, and chicken broth, thickened slightly with cornstarch to achieve a rich yet lighter creamy texture. The result is a moderately spiced pasta with tender chicken and softened vegetables.
The combination of ingredients yields a comforting dish with a creamy mouthfeel balanced by the warming spices of the seasoning mixture. The inclusion of bell peppers and onions adds subtle crunch and sweetness, complementing the smooth sauce and firm pasta. It is ideal for those looking for a mildly spicy and creamy pasta meal without excessive heaviness.
The recipe recommends serving the pasta right away to enjoy the creaminess at its best, as it may lose texture if left standing. Adjusting the noodle quantity can allow for more servings, albeit with a lighter sauce coating. The seasoning blend can be modified by increasing cayenne pepper for more heat. Overall, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a balanced, flavorful, home-cooked entrée.
The instructions advise mixing the seasoning spices quickly and cooking the chicken in a single layer for even browning. The sauce is gently heated to melt the cream cheese fully while incorporating the other liquids. This careful preparation ensures a smooth texture. The dish is practical for those who want a comforting pasta dish with a bit of spice and creamy texture without excess fat.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper more if you want to up the heat
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch strips, boneless skinless
- 2 bell pepper any color (I prefer red and orange), sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow onion cut into thin half moon slices
- 12 ounces fettuccine noodles
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened, light
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix together all the seasoning spices in a small bowl and toss all but 1 teaspoon of the mixture with the chicken pieces, reserving the 1 teaspoon for later.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package directions.
- While the noodles are boiling, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat until the oil is hot and rippling. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden on each side and cooked through, 3-5 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside, leaving as much liquid in the pan as possible.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the peppers and onions. Sprinkle the reserved spice mixture over the top and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are softened. Scrape the veggies on top of the chicken.
- Return the skillet to the heat and make the sauce by adding the butter and garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds or so until the garlic is fragrant. Add the cream cheese in large pieces and whisk or stir until smooth and thick.
- In a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the milk, broth and cornstarch until well combined.
- Gradually pour this mixture into the skillet, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste (I'd suggest about 1/4 teaspoon each and work up from there as needed).
- Add the chicken, peppers and onions and stir to coat with sauce. Remove from the heat.
- Once the noodles are finished cooking, drain and return to the pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and toss to coat the noodles with sauce. Serve immediately, garnishing with green onions, if desired.
Notes
- The seasoning mixture can be quickly combined in advance to save prep time.
- Serve the pasta immediately to retain its creamy texture, as it may thicken or lose creaminess upon sitting.
- You may reduce the pasta amount to 1 pound for fewer servings, but the sauce will be less abundant.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to increase or reduce the heat level to your taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 466kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 137mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 663mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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