Savory Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight
Experience the rich and bold flavors of Cajun cuisine right in your kitchen with this Savory Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight! Inspired by the beloved dish from Chili’s, this recipe combines tender, spicy chicken over creamy penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious sauce. With every bite, you’ll relish the harmony of Cajun seasoning, fresh tomatoes, and the delightful tang of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings comfort and excitement to the table. Plus, it's a fantastic way to impress your friends without the need for a restaurant reservation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
2 (Boneless skinless, slightly moistened)
Cajun Seasoning
4 teaspoons (For seasoning the chicken)
Butter or Margarine
4 tablespoons (Divided for sautéing chicken and making sauce)
Heavy Cream
3 cups (For creamy sauce)
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning the cream sauce)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning the cream sauce)
Penne Pasta
8 ounces (Cooked and drained)
Roma Tomatoes
2 (Diced for topping)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (Freshly shredded, to taste for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by slightly moistening the chicken breasts with water to help the seasoning adhere better.
2
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring that each breast is thoroughly coated in the spice blend.
3
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. This should take about 6-8 minutes per side.
4
While the chicken is cooking, prepare a second skillet. In it, combine the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
5
Once the cream sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat and add the cooked penne pasta, mixing well to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Remove from heat.
6
When the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
7
To serve, plate a generous portion of the creamy pasta mixture on two large servings plates. Top with the sliced Cajun chicken, diced roma tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of fresh shredded Parmesan cheese.
8
For an extra touch, serve with a slice of thick, garlicky Texas toast on the side. Enjoy your homemade Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cajun Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a flavorful dish inspired by Chili's, featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken served over creamy penne pasta with tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
You will need 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to thoroughly coat the chicken breasts.
Why should I moisten the chicken before seasoning?
Slightly moistening the chicken breasts with water helps the Cajun seasoning adhere better to the meat.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed for about 6-8 minutes per side until it is fully cooked and golden brown.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of penne pasta that has been cooked and drained.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine, divided for the chicken and the sauce.
What goes into the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from heavy cream, butter, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of heavy cream to create the luscious sauce.
What are the recommended toppings?
The dish is topped with diced Roma tomatoes and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a bold, spicy flavor profile due to the 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning used on the chicken.
How do I season the chicken evenly?
Combine the moistened chicken with Cajun seasoning in a large resealable plastic bag and shake to ensure a thorough coating.
What temperature should I use to sauté the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat.
When do I add the pasta to the sauce?
Add the cooked penne pasta to the cream mixture once the sauce begins to bubble gently.
Should I slice the chicken before or after cooking?
You should cook the chicken breasts whole and slice them into strips after they have rested for a few minutes.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest?
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, keeping the meat tender.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 diced Roma tomatoes for the topping.
What is the serving suggestion for this pasta?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a slice of thick, garlicky Texas toast on the side.
What seasonings are in the sauce besides salt and pepper?
The sauce is flavored with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You should use about 1/2 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, or more to taste.
Is this an easy dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and is designed to be a straightforward one-dish meal.
Does this taste like Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a copycat of the beloved Chili's restaurant dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated in the servings field, the instructions suggest plating the mixture onto two large serving plates.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
While penne is traditional for this recipe, you could substitute it with other shapes like rotini or bowties if needed.
What makes the sauce 'luscious'?
The combination of 3 cups of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter creates a rich and creamy texture.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the cream sauce.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include cajun chicken pasta, comfort food, pasta recipe, and easy dinner.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, the penne pasta should be cooked and drained before being added to the sauce skillet.
How much lemon pepper seasoning is in the sauce?
The sauce includes 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning for a tangy kick.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food due to its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients.