Creole Chicken Pasta Delight

Delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful Culinary Adventure

If you’re yearning for a scrumptious meal that’s packed with flavor and comfort, look no further than Cajun Chicken Pasta! With a spicy kick and creamy texture, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Let’s dive into the details!

Cooking Time

Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• Cajun Seasoning:
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Chicken Pasta:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 12 ounces linguine, uncooked
• 2 cups yellow onion, thinly sliced (from 1 onion)
• 1 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced (from 1 bell pepper)
• 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced (from 1 bell pepper)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped (about 3 cloves)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced (about 2 large scallions), white and green parts separated
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Preparation Steps

To create a flavorful Cajun seasoning mix, combine smoked paprika, kosher salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl. Be sure to set aside a pinch—about 1/4 teaspoon—for garnishing your dish later.

Next, generously rub 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend over the chicken breast. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook, turning occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 10 minutes, keeping the skillet unwashed for added flavor.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your linguine by following the package instructions. Drain the pasta in a colander placed over a heat-resistant bowl to catch some pasta water (about 1 cup) for later use.

Now, return the skillet to medium heat, adding the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with any drippings. Toss in the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, stirring frequently until they begin to soften, which should take around 7 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes, cooking until they burst, approximately 4 minutes. Toss in the chopped garlic and an additional tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, stirring for about a minute until aromatic.

Pour in the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce thickens, which should take roughly 2 minutes. Remove from heat and incorporate the cooked pasta, tossing it to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a couple tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Once the chicken has rested, slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Mix the sliced chicken into the pasta, ensuring it is well combined. Serve this delightful creation into four bowls, and finish each plate with fresh thyme, the green parts of the scallions, extra Parmesan, and the reserved Cajun seasoning. Enjoy immediately for the best flavors!

For an even heartier meal, consider adding slices of andouille sausage to the mix. This Cajun-inspired dish will have your taste buds dancing with joy, and it's sure to become a favorite! Remember, Cajun seasoning can be made ahead and stored for future use, making your cooking adventures easier.

Chef's Tip

Keep in mind, you can always make this dish your own. If you want to adjust the spice level, add or reduce the cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking!