Makeover Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipes

CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it's al dente (cooked until it's still firm when bitten). Drain and set aside.
• Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken to the skillet, then sprinkle with the cajun seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, should take about 5 minutes.
• Add sausage: Stir in the sausage and cook for a couple more minutes until the sausage starts to brown.
• Add garlic and parsley: Add the garlic, parsley to the skillet and stir. Cook for 30 seconds until the garlic becomes aromatic.
• Add half and half: Add the half and half and cook until it comes to a boil. Stir in the parmesan cheese.
• Stir in pasta: Add the penne and stir everything together.
• Garnish and serve: Garnish with more parmesan cheese and parsley if preferred and serve while warm.

CAJUN CHICKEN & PASTA

Steps:

• Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning; let stand 15 minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain., In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat; saute chicken until no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan., In same pan, heat remaining butter over medium-high heat; saute peppers, mushrooms and green onions until peppers are crisp-tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in cream and seasonings; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until slightly thickened, 4-6 minutes. Stir in pasta and chicken; heat through. Top with tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with cheese.

ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
• Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
• Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.

CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain, cover, and keep warm.
• Beat the chicken breasts so that they are even in thickness and season all over with 1½ Tbsp cajun seasoning.
• In a large non-reactive skillet*, heat 2 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides. Turn heat down to low and saute until cooked through and 165˚F on a thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
• In the same skillet over medium heat, saute the butter and garlic for 30-60 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and saute another 2 minutes.
• Add in the heavy whipping cream, remaining cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese, and bring to a simmer. Season to taste if needed.
• Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until combined and pasta and chicken are warmed through. Add warm reserved pasta water if desired to thin the sauce. Serve with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.

CAJUN CHICKEN ONE-POT

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow saucepan or deep frying pan over a medium heat, then add the chicken, season lightly and fry for 6-8 mins, stirring occasionally until just golden all over - no need to worry about it being cooked through at this stage.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 mins more, then scatter over the Cajun-style seasoning and stir so the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Tip in the tomatoes, a quarter of a can of water and the stock cube. Stir, then bring to a simmer and cook for 5 mins.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta for a minute less than pack instructions. Stir the cream into the chicken and continue to simmer gently. When the pasta is cooked, drain well and stir into chicken mixture. Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce over a low heat for 2 mins, then stir in the parmesan and lemon juice, and cook for 1 min more. Serve the pasta straight from the pan, or tip into a large serving bowl. Scatter with parsley, if you like, and extra parmesan.