Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Here’s a delicious Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe for you! It’s a creamy, flavorful dish with just the right amount of heat from the Cajun seasoning.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces)

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (you can use store-bought or make your own)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 bell pepper (sliced, any color)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)

• 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)

• 1 tbsp parsley (chopped, for garnish)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the chicken:

   • Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add some red pepper flakes.

   • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

   • Stir in the smoked paprika (if using) and let it cook for about 30 seconds.

   • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

   • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Adjust the consistency with a little more chicken broth if needed.

4. Combine everything:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until the pasta is fully coated.

   • Stir in the cooked chicken and let it all warm through for another 1-2 minutes.

5. Garnish and serve:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.

   • Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, and serve hot!

Tips:

• For an extra spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• You can swap chicken for shrimp or sausage if you prefer.

• If you want to make it even creamier, add a little more heavy cream or a splash of cream cheese.