– 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Creating this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
6. Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together, coating the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
These straightforward steps will guide you through preparing an incredible pasta dish effortlessly.