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For this dish, you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste To make your pasta even spicier, you can add: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes This ingredient boosts the heat and gives your dish a nice kick. You will need some basic kitchen tools: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for cooking - A cutting board - A sharp knife - Measuring spoons - A spoon for stirring These tools make cooking easy and fast. With the right ingredients and equipment, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. For the complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. First, take your sliced chicken breasts and put them in a bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning and toss everything together. Make sure every piece is coated well. This step adds a lot of flavor to the chicken. Set this aside while you work on the pasta. Next, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add your penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. It will soak up the sauce later. Now, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they smell great. Then, toss in the sliced bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 5 more minutes until they soften. Lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything well and let it simmer gently. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors blend together. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into the creamy sauce. Taste your dish and season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Finally, remove it from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish each plate with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. To make your chicken burst with flavor, use Cajun seasoning. This spice mix adds heat and depth. I recommend letting the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes after seasoning. This helps the spices soak in. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra taste. Cooking pasta al dente means it is firm but not hard. Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and stir it gently. Follow the package instructions for timing, usually around 10-12 minutes. Taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. It should have a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta and remember to save some pasta water. This helps make your sauce creamy later. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down before sealing it. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This keeps it creamy and prevents it from drying out. You can also pop it in the microwave for quick warming. Remember, leftover pasta is great for lunch the next day! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Swap the chicken for plant-based alternatives, like tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Use the same Cajun seasoning to keep the taste. You can also try chickpeas for added protein. Another great choice is seitan, which mimics chicken's texture. Not everyone enjoys the same heat level. If you prefer less spice, cut back on the Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon instead of two. You can add more later if you want a kick. For extra heat lovers, toss in red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Get creative with your pasta! Add veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. They not only add color but also bring more nutrients. For extra protein, consider shrimp or sausage. Cook them in the skillet with the chicken for a delicious twist. These options make your dish unique and tasty. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions included earlier. To store leftovers, cool the pasta first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to avoid drying out. You can freeze this dish for later. Allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Press out extra air before sealing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stove for the best taste. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat over medium until hot, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir well. This helps prevent hot spots. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! For the full recipe, check back. Yes, you can make Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Prepare it up to the point of combining the pasta with the sauce. Store the cooked pasta and sauce separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat both and mix them together. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. There are many great sides to enjoy with Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Here are a few options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh green salad with a light dressing. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. - A glass of white wine to complement the flavors. These pairings enhance the meal and balance the spicy notes. To make Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta less spicy, you can adjust a few ingredients. Here are some tips: - Use less Cajun seasoning when seasoning the chicken. - Skip the red pepper flakes or use a pinch instead. - Add more cream or broth to dilute the spice. - Pair it with a side of sour cream or yogurt to cool down the heat. These steps ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dish without too much heat. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! You learned how to make Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta by exploring its ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. I shared essential and optional ingredients to boost flavor. You also found useful tricks for seasoning and cooking. Variations allow for creative changes to fit your taste. Now, you can enjoy this dish your way. Experiment and have fun with it! Happy cooking!

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Dive into the bold flavors of this Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta that's sure to excite your taste buds! This delicious recipe combines perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies, all tossed with penne pasta for a satisfying meal in just 35 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish is a must-try. Click through to explore the full recipe and add some spice to your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for extra heat)

Instructions
 

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated. Set aside.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

        Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, then add the sliced bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

          Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

            Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Stir well to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

              Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

                Garnish: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4