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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Ingredients

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  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions and parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water just in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
  2. Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken. While the pasta is cooking, place your chicken strips in a bowl and toss them thoroughly with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced bell peppers and red onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
  4. Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce. Lower the heat to medium. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce starts to thicken and becomes smooth.
  5. Step 5: Combine and Toss. Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Step 6: Final Garnish. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with a generous handful of chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Find it online: https://www.yucolor.com/dinner/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta/