Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Background and History

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish that blends the zest of Cajun seasoning with the comfort of creamy pasta. Originating from the fusion of Italian and Southern American cuisines, this dish showcases the spicy, bold flavors characteristic of Cajun cooking, which hails from Louisiana. Cajun cuisine itself has a rich history, influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. This pasta dish has become a favorite for its deliciously spicy kick, creamy texture, and easy preparation.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Useful and Interesting Facts

• Cajun Seasoning: This seasoning blend typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
• Versatility: You can easily substitute shrimp or sausage for chicken, or use different vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
• Creaminess: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese provides a rich and creamy sauce that balances the heat from the Cajun spices.

Serves

4

Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add the red and yellow bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine and Serve

• Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Notes

Spice Level

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning by half.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.

Substitutions

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

Allergy Warning

• Dairy: This recipe contains dairy from the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Gluten: This recipe contains gluten from the pasta. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Allium: Contains garlic. Avoid or substitute if you have an allium allergy

Where does Cajun chicken pasta originate from?

Cajun chicken pasta is a fusion dish that combines elements of Cajun cuisine from Louisiana with Italian-American pasta dishes. It originated in the United States, bringing together the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun cooking with the creamy comfort of pasta.

What to serve with Cajun pasta?

Cajun pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a simple green salad, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh coleslaw to balance the spiciness of the pasta.

What is Cajun chicken made of?

Cajun chicken is typically made from boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, which may include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.

What cream is best for pasta?

Heavy cream is best for pasta as it provides a rich, creamy texture without curdling or separating when heated. It helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce that clings well to the pasta.

What is creamy pasta sauce called?

Creamy pasta sauce is often referred to as Alfredo sauce, especially when made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Other variations include white sauce or béchamel when made with a roux of butter and flour.

What is cooking cream for pasta?

Cooking cream, also known as heavy cream or whipping cream, is a dairy product with a high-fat content (usually around 36% fat) that is used in sauces to add richness and creaminess without curdling.

Why do people put cream in pasta?

People put cream in pasta to add richness, smooth texture, and a velvety mouthfeel to the sauce. Cream helps balance strong flavors and creates a cohesive dish with a luxurious finish.

How do you thicken cream pasta?

To thicken cream pasta, you can let the sauce simmer longer to reduce, add grated cheese which melts into the sauce, or make a slurry with a small amount of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce.

What cream is used for cooking?

Heavy cream or whipping cream is commonly used for cooking due to its high-fat content, which provides stability and richness to sauces, soups, and desserts.

What percentage cream used in pasta?

Heavy cream, which typically contains about 36% milk fat, is used in pasta dishes to achieve the desired creamy texture and rich flavor.

What pasta shape for cream sauce?

Shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are ideal for cream sauces. These shapes have enough surface area or ridges to hold onto the creamy sauce effectively.

What is cream in cooking method?

In cooking, cream refers to the dairy product with a high-fat content used to enrich dishes. The method involves adding cream to a sauce or soup to create a thick, rich, and smooth texture.