Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cajun Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne or cavatappi pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
- For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free substitute like coconut milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and lemon juice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the fridge.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet, slice it into thin strips, and set aside.
- Prepare the Cajun Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, thickening slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Return the sliced chicken to the pan, mixing everything together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper based on your desired spice level. You can also make your own seasoning blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and thyme.
- Pasta Options: Penne, cavatappi, or fusilli are great choices for this dish, but feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes that hold sauce well.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta for a gluten-free alternative.