Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Ingredients
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Chop onion and bell peppers, and mince garlic.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet (add a splash of olive oil if needed). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or a combination of both. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
