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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish To make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, gather these ingredients. The chicken gives the dish its heartiness. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick. Heavy cream creates the rich sauce that ties everything together. Pasta is the base that brings it all to life. Now, let's talk about the vegetables. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Bell peppers bring bright colors and crunch. Onions and garlic build the flavor base for the dish. Each veggie plays a key role. Don’t forget the garnishes! Olive oil brings richness. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty touch. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the link for precise measurements and steps! To start, fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help adjust your sauce later. While the pasta cooks, grab your two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning all over the chicken, making sure to cover both sides well. Once seasoned, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, take the chicken out and let it rest. Once it cools, slice it into strips. In the same skillet, add a finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of thinly sliced bell peppers. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften. Now, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. After that, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let this mix cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Now you’re ready to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy this flavorful dinner delight! To get the right sauce thickness, start with the heavy cream. If it gets too thick, add a bit of the pasta water. This water helps keep the sauce creamy and smooth. For flavor balance, taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper slowly. Too much salt can overpower the dish, so add it bit by bit. Resting the chicken is key. Once cooked, let it sit for about five minutes. This helps keep it juicy. When slicing, cut against the grain. This keeps the chicken tender and easier to chew. Aim for even strips to make serving simple. Avoid overcooking the pasta. If it’s too soft, it will not hold the sauce well. Cook it just until al dente. The chicken also needs careful cooking. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Lastly, do not ignore seasoning. Adjust as you go and taste often for the best results. For a detailed guide on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} For a tasty vegetarian version, swap the chicken for plant-based proteins. You can use tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Each option brings a unique flavor. First, marinate your choice in Cajun seasoning to infuse that bold taste. Then, sauté it just like the chicken. This keeps the dish flavorful. Want more heat? You can easily amp up the spice levels. Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Just be careful; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! If you need alternatives, there are plenty of options. For the cream, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. This will give a lighter touch but still keep it creamy. As for pasta, if you want whole grain or gluten-free, those work great too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. For the Full Recipe, refer back for all details. To keep your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Place it in the fridge. It can stay good for up to three days. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours. This helps prevent bacteria growth. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat on low and stir often. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts. Stir between each time to avoid hot spots. If you want to freeze this dish, do so before adding the pasta. Cook the chicken and sauce, then let them cool. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. The sauce can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove and then add freshly cooked pasta. You can pair this dish with a fresh garden salad. A simple side salad adds crunch and balance. Try a Caesar salad for a rich taste. Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce well. You might enjoy roasted vegetables for an extra flavor boost. Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and combine everything. This method keeps the pasta and chicken fresh. To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese for garnish. This keeps the creamy texture while removing dairy. Adjust seasoning to suit your taste. Enjoy a rich flavor without the dairy! This blog covered all you need for a tasty Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We discussed key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to cook pasta perfectly and season chicken just right. Don't forget about easy variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun! Experiment with flavors and make this dish your own. Enjoy each delicious bite, and share it with friends and family.

- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that's bursting with flavor! This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce enhanced by colorful bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal tonight with a delicious Cajun twist!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, ensuring a good coat.

      Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips after resting.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and bell peppers, sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften.

          Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

            Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls or on a large platter, topping with sliced Cajun chicken. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for added flavor and color.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4