Tender Chicken Breast pieces cooked to next level in an irresistible spicy and tangy cream sauce filled with Cajun seasoning, onions and garlic is a winner of a chicken dinner! Easy and delicious comfort food at its finest. The entire recipe can be put together in about 30 minutes which makes it a great midweek meal. Beware, this dish will have your family and friends always asking for more!!!
PROCESS
- Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until it’s just right al dente.
- While that’s happening, slice your chicken and sprinkle it with Cajun seasoning, then cook it in a skillet until it’s nice and golden.
- Next, toss in some sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking them until they’re tender, then add in minced garlic for a bit of flavor. Pour in some heavy cream and mix in Parmesan cheese to create a rich sauce.
- Finally, stir everything together pasta, chicken, and sauce then serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy!
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Butter: For cooking the chicken and adding flavor.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless is best for even cooking.
Cajun Seasoning: essential spice.
Black Pepper: For a bit of heat.
Paprika or Chili Powder: Choose based on your spice preference.
Salt: to add taste.
Onion: Diced; adds sweetness.
Garlic Cloves: Minced; brings great flavor.
Heavy Cream: to make the sauce rich and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated; for creaminess..
Oregano: Adds an aromatic touch.
Sugar: to balance out the flavors.
Spaghetti: Your choice of pasta; spaghetti works great.
Fresh Coriander: For garnish
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 450 grams Chicken breast
Seasonings for chicken marinade
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika or chili powder
- 1/4 tsp or as per taste Salt
For the sauce
- 1/2 Onion
- 4-5 Garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream or double cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Cajun seasoning
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Chili flakes
- Salt
- Sugar (optional)
- Spaghetti-200 grams
- Fresh coriander
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- First, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta either fettuccine or penne works great. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. You can drizzle a little olive oil on it to prevent sticking if you like.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, take your chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips. Place the sliced chicken in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Use your hands or a spoon to mix it well, ensuring each piece is coated with the seasoning. This will give the chicken lots of flavors!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Spread it out in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can check if it’s done by cutting into a piece to see if there’s no pink left. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion. You want them to become tender and slightly caramelized. Then, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. The garlic will smell amazing!
Step 5: Add cream and cheese
- Now, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help the flavors combine. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts, and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of pasta water to thin it out. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if you think it needs more seasoning.
Step 6: Toss everything in the Pan
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Then, add the drained pasta. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and sauce are well mixed. Make sure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, and everything is heated through.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Cajun chicken pasta in bowls or on plates. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. You can also add more Parmesan cheese if you want.
Tips and Notes:
- If you prefer a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning or choose a milder blend. You can always add more to taste later!
- Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will enhance the flavor of the dish. If possible, opt for fresh bell peppers and garlic.
- Aim for al dente pasta for the best texture. It will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream and cheese, stirring frequently.
- Feel free to include other vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta might change. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking the pasta slightly less so it holds up better when reheated.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- For extra flair, top with sliced green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
