What is Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Cajun chicken pasta is a dish that originated in Louisiana, where Cajun cuisine is popular. The dish typically consists of chicken breast that has been seasoned with Cajun spices, then sautéed and served over a bed of pasta. The sauce is typically creamy and spicy, made with heavy cream, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
To make Cajun chicken pasta, start by seasoning chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Heat some oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Cook some pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions.
In the same skillet, sauté some garlic in butter until fragrant. Add some diced tomatoes and sauté for a few minutes. Add heavy cream, more Cajun seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve the pasta hot, and enjoy!
Ingredients
To make Cajun chicken pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breast
- Cajun seasoning
- Pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- Garlic
- Butter
- Diced tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
Variations
Cajun chicken pasta is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Cajun Pasta: Omit the chicken and add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the pasta.
- Shrimp Cajun Pasta: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on the classic dish.
- Spicy Cajun Pasta: Add more cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of heat.
- Lighter Cajun Pasta: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut down on calories.
Cooking Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Cajun chicken pasta:
- Season the chicken well with Cajun seasoning to add flavor.
- Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, but do not overcook it as it can become dry and tough.
- Use a deep skillet to make the sauce so that you can easily toss the pasta and chicken in it.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, rather than pouring the sauce over the pasta, to ensure that every bite is evenly coated in sauce.
- Top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
Cajun chicken pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With its juicy chicken, tender pasta, and creamy, spicy sauce, it is sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with different variations and cooking tips to make the dish your own. Enjoy!