Description
A rich and creamy Cajun-inspired pasta dish with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini or shells)
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
- 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
- Cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown, about 2-4 minutes on each side. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same saucepan. Add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until tender, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped garlic, thyme, and another tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth with the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, roughly 7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, slice or shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Turn off the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until melted and well combined.
- Add lemon juice and toss with parsley and green onions if desired. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste.
Notes
For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for an hour. You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg