Classic Cajun Chicken Pasta, made with a heavenly Cajun cream sauce.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, mardi gras, pasta
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
3Tbsp.olive oil
2boneless skinless chicken breastssliced thin
2 1/2Tbsp.Cajun seasoningdivided
3small bell pepperscored and thinly sliced (I used a red, orange and yellow bell pepper)
3roma tomatoesdiced
1medium red onionpeeled and thinly sliced
3clovesgarlicminced
1Tbsp.butter
1Tbsp.flour
1/2cupdry white wine
1cupchicken stock
1/2cupheavy cream (or you can reduce to 1/4 cup)
pinchof cayenne pepper
12oz.dried pasta of your choice (I used penne)cooked in generously-salted water until al dente according to package instructions
sliced or grated Parmesan cheesefor garnish
thinly sliced green onionsfor garnish
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Give them a quick stir to combine. Then saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and is no longer pink. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside in a large bowl.
Add an additional 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the bell peppers, tomatoes and onion. Saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add garlic. Continue sauteing for an additional 3-5 minutes until the edges of the veggies begin to brown just slightly. Transfer the veggies with a slotted spoon to the bowl with the chicken and set aside.
(I recommend adding the pasta to the boiling water at this point.)
Add the tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and once it is nearly melted, sprinkle the flour over it. Stir together to make a roux, and then cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally. Add the white wine, and stir immediately to combine it with the roux, being sure to also scrape the brown bits on the bottom of the pan to grab that extra flavor. Let the wine reduce for 2 minutes, then add the chicken stock. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 5 minutes to reduce. Add the cream, pinch of cayenne, and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, and stir until combined. Season with additional salt and pepper if need be.
Add your cooked pasta, chicken and veggies to the sauce and stir until evenly combined. Serve the pasta garnished with Parmesan and sliced green onions.
Notes
This is also fantastic when made with a pound of (shelled and deveined) shrimp! Just substitute it for chicken, and sauté it with the Cajun seasoning of medium-high heat until cooked and no longer translucent. We loved it!