Description
A creamy and spicy Cajun chicken pasta dish that is perfect for weeknight celebrations and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (dry)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, pat chicken strips dry and toss with Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced bell pepper and onion, sautéing 4–5 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through, then whisk in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in sauce. Add drained fettuccine and toss gently to combine, ensuring pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for desired spice level. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 120mg