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This rich Louisiana-style chicken pasta dish brings bold flavors straight to your family's plates. Every noodle gets coated with that spicy, velvety sauce while the tender chicken takes in all the wonderful seasonings. I always whip this up when I need something fast that still wows everyone at the table.
Why This Dish Stands Out
You can get food ready in half an hour, which saves you on those hectic evenings. Feel free to swap chicken for something else or throw in veggies you love. But let's be honest, that spicy, garlicky cream coating is what'll keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You'll Want
Pick up your go-to pasta shape – I'm partial to linguine but anything works well here. You'll also need some chicken breasts and a good amount of Cajun spice mix. For that amazing sauce, grab heavy cream, some parmesan and chopped tomatoes. Don't forget fresh garlic and parsley to brighten everything up.
Cooking Instructions
Get your water boiling for pasta and remember to keep some of that cooking water. Cover your chicken with plenty of Cajun spices and cook until nicely browned. Let the chicken sit while you cook garlic and tomatoes, then add your cream, more Cajun seasoning and the parmesan. Keep it bubbling until it thickens up nicely, then mix everything together and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
Customization Ideas
Need more heat? Just dump in extra Cajun seasoning. Want something different? Go for shrimp or sliced andouille instead. Throw in some mushrooms or broccoli for added nutrition. You can really bend this dish to match what you're craving.
Storage Tips
Your leftover pasta will stay good in the fridge for about three days. When you warm it up, try adding a little splash of cream to freshen the sauce. I wouldn't put this in the freezer though – the creamy sauce just doesn't thaw well at all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why avoid cast iron pans here?
- Tomatoes in creamy sauces might react with cast iron or copper, turning the texture gritty. Grab a stainless or nonstick pan instead.
- → How much cajun seasoning works best?
- If your cajun blend runs salty, begin with half the amount listed. Adjust as you go so it fits your taste.
- → Why bother saving pasta water?
- Starchy pasta water helps thin out thick sauces while also sticking to noodles better. A game changer!
- → How do I make chicken cook evenly?
- Pound the chicken flat before cooking so it cooks all the way through without drying out.
- → Less spice—how can I tone it down?
- Start light with the cajun spice mix. Taste as you go, and you’ll find the perfect heat level.