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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2–3 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta Get a large pot of salted water boiling on the stove. Once it’s bubbling enthusiastically, add the penne pasta and cook it just until it's al dente, following the package's timing. Give it a good drain and then set it aside, maybe give it a little toss to keep it from sticking together like best friends at a concert.

2. Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over the chicken strips, turning them into spicy little morsels. Warm up a large skillet over medium-high heat, then pour in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering like a hot summer day, lay down your seasoned chicken strips. Let them cook for about 5–7 minutes until they're golden and cooked through. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate and let them rest a bit; they’ve earned it.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt into a golden pool. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, giving them a good stir for about 3–4 minutes until they soften up nicely. When they’re just right, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for another minute until the kitchen is filled with that irresistible garlicky aroma.

4. Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Lower the heat to a gentle medium. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a delightful, creamy consistency. It’s like magic, but with cream.

5. Step 5: Combine Everything Now, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a silky masterpiece. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to your liking. Reintroduce the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce until everything is nicely coated in that luscious flavor.

6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve Finish off by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve it up hot and watch as everyone dives into this creamy, Cajun delight.

Notes

One pitfall many face is overcooking the pasta, transforming it from al dente to mushy. Keep a timer handy, and remember to taste-test for the perfect bite. Another common hiccup is not allowing the sauce to thicken enough. It's tempting to rush, but patience is key. Let it simmer until it clings beautifully to the back of a spoon.

And just a heads-up, adding too much Cajun seasoning can overpower the dish. Start with less, taste, and gradually add more if desired. Lastly, resist the urge to skimp on the Parmesan; it brings the sauce together like a warm hug.

Keywords: Spicy Cajun Chicken Noodles, Rich Cajun Chicken Pasta Dish, Creamy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine, Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cream Sauce, Luxurious Cajun Chicken Macaroni