Spice up your dinner routine with this Cajun Chicken Pasta, a dish that combines the rich, bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with creamy, comforting pasta. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavors. It’s ideal for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

About the Dish:

This Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender chicken pieces and fresh vegetables like red bell peppers and asparagus, all tossed in a spicy and creamy sauce. The dish is completed with the addition of penne pasta and a blend of cheeses, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add a burst of freshness, making this pasta dish a well-rounded feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, preferably homemade
• 8 ounces thickly sliced mushrooms
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch segments
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole or 2% milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme and parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat in a large pot.
   • Season chicken pieces with 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, then brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
2. Cooking Vegetables:
   • Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot if needed. Sauté mushrooms for 2-3 minutes.
   • Add red bell pepper and asparagus, cooking until vegetables are slightly tender. Transfer to a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
   • Reduce heat to low. Melt remaining butter and add garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
   • Add chicken broth, milk, and cream, bringing to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender.
4. Final Assembly:
   • Remove pot from heat. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
   • Return chicken and vegetables to the pot, stirring to warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped thyme and parsley. Serve hot.

Expert Tips:

• Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the level of salt and spice by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in your homemade seasoning. Start conservatively and add more according to your taste preference.
• Pasta Choices: Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta types like linguine or rigatoni. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cooking Pasta: Keep the pasta submerged by maintaining a gentle boil and stirring frequently. Add more liquid if necessary.
• Vegetable Doneness: Be cautious not to overcook the vegetables to keep their texture intact.
• Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If the sauce thickens more than desired, simply thin it with additional chicken broth.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently after thawing in the refrigerator.

Conclusion:

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a wonderful way to bring some excitement to your dinner table. It combines the heat of Cajun spices with the creamy texture of the sauce and pasta, making it a hearty meal that will satisfy spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of this delightful dish any night of the week.