Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with fettuccine pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a touch of Cajun spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the thinly sliced chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning to coat all pieces, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside and fully cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors and slightly thicken.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook and stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Finish and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little pasta water or additional chicken broth.
- Gluten-free pasta alternatives can be used to accommodate dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
