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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A vibrant and comforting pasta dish featuring a rich, creamy sauce and Cajun flavors that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
  • 12 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or penne
  • 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 ounces cream cheese (optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Toss it with 1–2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
  3. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and transfer it to a plate, covering loosely with foil.
  4. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Toss in the onion and bell peppers, cooking for 5–7 minutes until they are softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
  5. Deglaze with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Allow it to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add cheeses: Stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese (if using) until the mixture is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Bring it together: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything to coat in the sauce, adding more pasta water if needed to combine.
  9. Finish and serve: Squeeze in lemon juice, toss again, and garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

For a twist, feel free to swap in your favorite peppers or add some spinach for extra greens.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.tastysavvy.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-2/