Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb chicken breast, shrimp, or chosen protein, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cajun spice blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add your favorite noodles, and cook them according to the package directions until al dente before draining.
- Step 2: Season the Protein – Toss your chicken, shrimp, or chosen protein thoroughly in a bowl with two tablespoons of your homemade or store-bought cajun spice blend.
- Step 3: Sear the Meat – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned protein, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Sauté the Veggies – In the same skillet with butter, add diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce – Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra depth of flavor.
- Step 6: Melt the Cheese – Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes thick, smooth, and glossy.
- Step 7: Combine Everything – Add your cooked pasta and seared protein back into the skillet, tossing gently until every single piece is thoroughly coated in the rich sauce.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: cajun pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, easy weeknight dinner