Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

If you're looking for a delicious and spicy pasta dish, then look no further than Cajun chicken pasta with creamy Cajun sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and a little bit of heat. It's easy to make, and the end result is a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Ingredients

Recipe for Chicken:

2 lbs boneless chicken breast

2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoon dried basil

2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Recipe for creamy Cajun sauce:

2 cups heavy cream

¼ cup chicken stock

1 ½ cups freshly shredded parmesan

4 tbs tomato paste

3 teaspoon garlic powder

3 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 teaspoon dried basil

1 ½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon habanero powder

4 tbs butter

1 lb box Campanelle or whichever pasta you like best

Instructions For Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

The first step in making Cajun chicken pasta is to prepare the chicken. You'll need 2 lbs of boneless chicken breast, which you'll flatten using a meat mallet. Next, you'll need to season the chicken with a combination of spices that include salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix all of these spices together and season both sides of the chicken breasts with the mixture. Let the chicken refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors penetrate.

The first step in making Cajun chicken pasta is to prepare the chicken. You'll need 2 lbs of boneless chicken breast, which you'll flatten using a meat mallet. Next, you'll need to season the chicken with a combination of spices that include salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix all of these spices together and season both sides of the chicken breasts with the mixture. Let the chicken refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors penetrate.

How to Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce?

Now it's time to make the creamy Cajun sauce. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add a combination of ground oregano, thyme, and basil, and sauté the spices in the butter for 30 seconds. Then, add tomato paste, chicken stock, and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Finally, add freshly shredded parmesan cheese, salt, and a little habanero powder for heat. Keep stirring the sauce until the cheese has completely melted and all ingredients are fully combined.

Cook a box of Campanelle pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it back to the pot. Pour the Cajun sauce over the pasta and stir well to ensure that the sauce coats all the pasta evenly. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the pot, stir again, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

And voila! You now have a delicious and hearty Cajun chicken pasta with creamy Cajun sauce that's ready to serve. This dish is perfect for family dinners or when you're entertaining guests. It's a great way to spice up your pasta game and introduce some bold flavors to your dinner table.

Tips For Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here are some tips to help you make the best Cajun chicken pasta with creamy Cajun sauce:

1. Don't skip the refrigeration step for the chicken: Letting the chicken breasts sit in the spice mixture for at least an hour in the refrigerator helps to infuse the flavors into the meat.
2. Use fresh parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will melt more easily and will give your sauce a smoother texture.
3. Adjust the spice level to your liking: The recipe calls for cayenne pepper and habanero powder for heat, but if you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce or omit these spices.
4. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: A heavy skillet will distribute heat evenly and prevent the sauce from scorching.
5. Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water. You can use this water to thin out the sauce if it's too thick or to help it adhere better to the pasta.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top of the pasta for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Experiment with different pasta shapes: While Campanelle is the recommended pasta for this recipe, you can also try using other pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli.

With these tips, you'll be able to make the perfect Cajun chicken pasta with creamy Cajun sauce every time!

Variations Of Cajun Chicken Pasta

Here are some variations to try with your Cajun chicken pasta with creamy Cajun sauce:

1. Add vegetables: You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish to make it even more flavorful and nutritious.
2. Use different proteins: If you're not a fan of chicken, you can use shrimp or sliced sausage instead.
3. Make it spicy: If you love spicy food, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper and habanero powder in the sauce.
4. Use different cheese: If you don't have parmesan cheese on hand, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella.
5. Make it healthier: To make the dish healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta, and substitute heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt.
6. Make it vegetarian: If you want to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
7. Use different herbs and spices: You can experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish. For example, you can add fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce for a more earthy flavor.

With these variations, you can create a unique and delicious Cajun chicken pasta with creamy Cajun sauce that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

FAQ's About Cajun Chicken Pasta

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cajun chicken pasta with creamy Cajun sauce:

Q: Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

A: Cajun seasoning is typically spicy, but the level of heat can vary depending on the specific blend of spices used. The recipe for this Cajun chicken pasta includes cayenne pepper and habanero powder for added heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you don't have Campanelle on hand. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle would work well with this dish.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve the dish, reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat and add the cooked chicken and pasta.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream to lighten up the sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken instead of boneless, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover pasta and sauce?

A: It's not recommended to freeze the leftover pasta and sauce as the texture may become mushy when reheated. It's best to store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 3-4 days.

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