Hello food lovers! Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Cajun dish? This Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the perfect blend of rich, creamy goodness and bold Cajun flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive in and create something amazing together!
Introduction
The fusion of Cajun spices with creamy Parmesan sauce in this dish offers a taste of the American South, where bold flavors and hearty meals are a staple. The Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a versatile recipe that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a comforting dinner at home, this dish has you covered.
In fact, this recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings back memories of family gatherings where we would indulge in hearty, flavorful meals that left everyone satisfied. The combination of spicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luxurious Parmesan sauce truly makes this dish stand out. Now, I’m excited to share it with you!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce, you’ll need:
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb Farfalle pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta:
- Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce: In a bowl, mix together red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, Kosher salt, ground black pepper, heavy cream, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s just a minute shy of what the package instructs. Drain but do not rinse.
- Bread the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Kosher salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the breadcrumb mixture, then in the eggs, and finally back into the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside on a tray.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until just starting to brown but still firm. Remove from the pan.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, heat vegetable oil. Add the breaded chicken and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Combine Pasta, Vegetables, and Sauce: Return the vegetables to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and the prepared Cajun cream sauce. Stir and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta just shy of al dente ensures it won’t become mushy when you mix it with the sauce.
- Butterfly the Chicken: Butterflying the chicken breasts allows them to cook evenly and faster, ensuring they remain juicy.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love spice, feel free to add more!
Cooking Tips
To take your Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta to the next level, consider these additional tips:
- Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better into the sauce and provide a richer flavor.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have one, a cast iron skillet will give your chicken an even, crispy crust that’s hard to beat.
- Preheat the Pan: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will help achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider these serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir would complement the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Short Nutritional Information:
This dish is indulgent, with creamy Parmesan sauce and crispy chicken providing plenty of flavor and satisfaction.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Potassium: 870mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 35% DV
- Vitamin C: 25% DV
- Calcium: 25% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
This recipe is high in protein, making it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied. The fresh vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, while the Parmesan cheese provides a good dose of calcium.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
If you find yourself with leftovers, consider these creative ideas:
- Pasta Bake: Mix the leftovers with a bit of extra sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a quick pasta bake.
- Chicken Sandwich: Slice the leftover chicken and serve it on a toasted bun with some lettuce and tomato for a delicious sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic.
Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?
A: You can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or use a mild Cajun seasoning. The dish will still be flavorful without being too hot.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, while Parmesan is ideal for this recipe, you could also try Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making this delicious Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please feel free to share your experiences, tips, or even any twists you put on the recipe. Happy cooking!
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Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Description
Hello food lovers! Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Cajun dish? This Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the perfect blend of rich, creamy goodness and bold Cajun flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive in and create something amazing together!
Ingredients
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb Farfalle pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce: In a bowl, mix together red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, Kosher salt, ground black pepper, heavy cream, chicken stock, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s just a minute shy of what the package instructs. Drain but do not rinse.
- Bread the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Kosher salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the breadcrumb mixture, then in the eggs, and finally back into the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside on a tray.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until just starting to brown but still firm. Remove from the pan.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, heat vegetable oil. Add the breaded chicken and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Combine Pasta, Vegetables, and Sauce: Return the vegetables to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and the prepared Cajun cream sauce. Stir and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta just shy of al dente ensures it won’t become mushy when you mix it with the sauce.
- Butterfly the Chicken: Butterflying the chicken breasts allows them to cook evenly and faster, ensuring they remain juicy.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love spice, feel free to add more!
