Description
A flavorful and creamy Cajun pasta dish featuring tender chicken or shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Protein: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken or shrimp pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Add to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the cooked protein from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked pasta and the chicken or shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning by adding more Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the Cajun pasta hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Grilled chicken can be substituted for a smoky flavor and lower fat content.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
