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When I make Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta, I gather a few key ingredients. They come together to create a dish that bursts with flavor. Here’s what you need: - Chicken and Seasoning - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - Pasta and Vegetables - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - Cream and Garnish - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Each ingredient plays its part in making this dish special. The chicken, seasoned with Cajun spices, brings heat. The creamy sauce beautifully balances the spice. The pasta and veggies add texture and color. I love how simple it is to find these ingredients. You can get them all at your local grocery store. For the complete cooking instructions, check out the Full Recipe. First, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, save about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Take the sliced chicken breasts and put them in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Mix it well until all the pieces are coated. This step gives the chicken its spicy flavor. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked through. After that, take the chicken out and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced red and green bell peppers. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender. Lower the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken a bit. Now, add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together well. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. Once everything is mixed, turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This makes the dish look nice and adds extra flavor. Serve the Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta warm. Enjoy this easy and flavorful recipe with your family or friends. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get that bold Cajun taste, use fresh spices. I recommend making your own Cajun seasoning. Combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. This mix adds great depth. If you can, let the seasoning sit for a few hours before using it. This helps the flavors meld and become more vibrant. Not everyone loves heat. To adjust spice levels, start with less Cajun seasoning. You can always add more later. If you want a milder taste, skip the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch more. You can also serve hot sauce on the side. This way, everyone can spice it up as they like. Sautéing is key for this dish. Use a large skillet for even cooking. High heat helps the chicken brown nicely. Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures each piece cooks perfectly. When adding the cream, let it simmer gently. This allows the sauce to thicken without burning. Toss everything together well. The pasta should be coated in that rich, creamy sauce. For the best results, check out the Full Recipe for precise steps. {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter without losing flavor. Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular. This swap adds fiber and keeps you full longer. You can also replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt. This keeps it creamy while cutting fat. Another option is to use grilled chicken instead of frying. It gives a nice smoky flavor and is healthier. If you want a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken. Use mushrooms or tofu for protein. Both options soak up flavors well. Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more color and nutrients. You can also use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce. It keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying. Want to spice things up? Try adding diced jalapeños for heat. You can also mix in cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds freshness. For a touch of sweetness, add corn or diced pineapple. These add-ins make your meal more exciting and flavorful. Explore these variations to suit your taste! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Once your Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta cools, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 days. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, add a splash of olive oil before sealing. This small step helps keep the dish tasty. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Place your pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results, try to freeze it before adding the cream. This keeps the texture smoother when you thaw it. When you are ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat your pasta on the stove for the best taste. Add a little water or cream to avoid dryness. Stir often to heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid or wrap to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, checking often. Enjoy your meal just like the first time with these easy tips! You can add more Cajun seasoning to the chicken. Try using a spicy hot sauce. Red pepper flakes work well too. For a kick, use jalapeños or diced green chilies. Mix these in with your sauce for extra heat. Adjust to your taste as you go along. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work well. Just remember to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This way, it holds up better with the sauce. Each type of pasta brings its own shape and texture. A fresh green salad makes a great side. You can also serve garlic bread for a tasty touch. A glass of chilled white wine complements the spice well. For dessert, consider something light, like sorbet or fruit salad. These balance the dish's bold flavors. Let the pasta cool before storing it. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to three days. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions above. In this blog post, we explored how to make Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to enhance flavor. You learned about variations for healthier meals and how to store your dish correctly. Remember, you can adjust spice levels and try different pastas. Enjoy making this tasty dish your own! Happy cooking!

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the bold flavors of this Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta that's sure to impress! With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together, you'll have a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines simplicity with mouthwatering taste. Ready to spice up your dinner table? Click through to get the full recipe and enjoy a taste of the South!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

8 oz penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

    Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until well coated.

      Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 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 it aside.

        Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

          Add Cream and Tomatoes: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and cherry tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve warm.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4