Spicy Cajun Chicken and Pasta Stew
A delightful and hearty Spicy Cajun Chicken and Pasta Stew that combines the rich flavors of Cajun spices with tender chicken and an array of vegetables. This dish is perfect for chilly days, serving up warmth and comfort in every bowl. The spicy kick from jalapeños and cayenne balances beautifully with the sweetness of corn and the earthiness of black beans. It's a filling one-pot meal that can easily feed a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors that come together as they simmer, creating a mouthwatering stew that is sure to please family and friends alike.
10
Servings
220
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (skinless, chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
jalapeño
1-2 (chopped (remove seeds for less heat))
mushrooms
16 ounces (sliced thickly)
green peppers
2 (chopped)
whole kernel corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Rotel
1 (10 ounce) can (do not drain)
tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans (do not drain)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (do not drain)
pasta
1 (16 ounce) box (any kind)
nonstick cooking spray
as needed
cayenne pepper
to taste
garlic powder
to taste
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet, spray nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken breasts, and season generously with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is halfway done, about 5-7 minutes.
2
2. While the chicken is cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 4 cups of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3
3. Once the chicken is halfway cooked, add the chopped onion, green peppers, jalapeños, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4
4. Stir in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, Rotel, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet. Mix well and heat everything through, about 5-7 minutes.
5
5. Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a large pot or Dutch oven if needed for more space. Add the cooked pasta and 4 cups of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to blend.
6
6. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more the flavors will meld and incorporate into the pasta.
7
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your Spicy Cajun Chicken and Pasta Stew!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cajun Chicken and Pasta Stew?
It is a delightful and hearty one-pot meal that combines chicken, pasta, and vegetables with bold Cajun seasonings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 10 servings, making it perfect for large families or gatherings.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a spicy kick from jalapeños and cayenne pepper, but the heat is balanced by the sweetness of the corn.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 skinless, chopped chicken breasts.
What type of pasta works best?
You can use any kind of pasta you prefer; one 16-ounce box is required.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 220 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 5 grams of fat.
How much protein is in one bowl?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
Do I need to save the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 4 cups of the pasta cooking liquid to use as the base for the stew.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew features onion, green peppers, jalapeños, mushrooms, corn, and black beans.
Do I drain the Rotel?
No, do not drain the Rotel; add it directly into the skillet with its juices.
How long should the chicken cook initially?
Cook the chicken in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes until it is halfway done before adding vegetables.
Should I drain the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be drained and rinsed before adding them to the mixture.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can remove seeds from the jalapeños for less heat or adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The primary seasonings are cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, it is an ideal one-pot meal for meal prep as the flavors continue to develop over time.
How much corn is in the recipe?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of drained whole kernel corn.
What size can of tomato paste do I need?
You will need one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
When do I add the mushrooms?
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet once the chicken is halfway cooked, along with the other fresh vegetables.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to sauté the seasoned chicken breasts in a large skillet until they are halfway cooked.
Do I cook the pasta to al dente?
Yes, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente before adding it to the stew.
How many jalapeños are recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 jalapeños, depending on your preference for heat.
Is the stew cooked covered or uncovered?
The stew should be simmered uncovered.
Can I use a Dutch oven?
Yes, a large pot or Dutch oven is recommended to hold the final mixture of chicken, vegetables, and pasta.
How many green peppers are used?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped green peppers.
What is the serving size?
While not specifically measured, the recipe yields 10 equal portions from the total volume.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh is recommended, frozen corn or peppers could be substituted if necessary.