Spice up your dinner routine with this Cajun Chicken Pasta, a dish that combines the rich, bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with creamy, comforting pasta. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavors. It’s ideal for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
About the Dish:
This Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender chicken pieces and fresh vegetables like red bell peppers and asparagus, all tossed in a spicy and creamy sauce. The dish is completed with the addition of penne pasta and a blend of cheeses, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add a burst of freshness, making this pasta dish a well-rounded feast.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, preferably homemade
- 8 ounces thickly sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch segments
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme and parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat in a large pot.
- Season chicken pieces with 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, then brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Cooking Vegetables:
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot if needed. Sauté mushrooms for 2-3 minutes.
- Add red bell pepper and asparagus, cooking until vegetables are slightly tender. Transfer to a plate.
- Making the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low. Melt remaining butter and add garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, milk, and cream, bringing to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender.
- Final Assembly:
- Remove pot from heat. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Return chicken and vegetables to the pot, stirring to warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped thyme and parsley. Serve hot.
Expert Tips:
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the level of salt and spice by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in your homemade seasoning. Start conservatively and add more according to your taste preference.
- Pasta Choices: Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta types like linguine or rigatoni. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cooking Pasta: Keep the pasta submerged by maintaining a gentle boil and stirring frequently. Add more liquid if necessary.
- Vegetable Doneness: Be cautious not to overcook the vegetables to keep their texture intact.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If the sauce thickens more than desired, simply thin it with additional chicken broth.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently after thawing in the refrigerator.
Conclusion:
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a wonderful way to bring some excitement to your dinner table. It combines the heat of Cajun spices with the creamy texture of the sauce and pasta, making it a hearty meal that will satisfy spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of this delightful dish any night of the week.