Zesty Cajun Chicken Fettuccine
Experience a burst of flavors with this Zesty Cajun Chicken Fettuccine! Inspired by the popular dish from T.G.I. Friday's, this recipe combines tender strips of chicken breast with a vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables drenched in a spicy, savory sauce. The fettuccine noodles add a delightful texture, while the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese provide a perfect finishing touch. This dish is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a colorful centerpiece for any dinner table, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.
2-4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
2 ounces (None)
Garlic, fresh
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Onion
1/2 cup (Cut in large chunks)
Green Pepper
1/2 cup (Diced in large pieces)
Red Pepper
1/2 cup (Diced in large pieces)
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Chicken Stock
1 cup (None)
V-8 Vegetable Juice
1 cup (None)
Cornstarch
1-3 tablespoons (Mixed with cold water to form a slurry)
Salt and Pepper
To Taste (None)
Fettuccine
10 ounces (Cooked al dente)
Parmesan Cheese
1 tablespoon (Grated)
Chicken Breast
1 (Boneless, skinless, cooked and sliced in strips)
Parsley
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2
Add the onion chunks and sauté for an additional minute, allowing them to soften slightly. Then, introduce the diced green and red peppers, continuing to sauté for another minute until the vegetables are vibrant and tender.
3
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to reduce by half.
4
Next, pour in the V-8 vegetable juice along with the cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5
For thickening the sauce, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce, stirring constantly until your desired consistency is reached. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6
In a separate pot, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and then add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the sauté pan. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated, heating it through until hot.
7
To serve, arrange the pasta on a plate or in a bowl, top with the sliced cooked chicken breast, and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cajun Chicken Fettuccine?
It is a flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast strips and sautéed vegetables in a spicy Cajun-inspired sauce, served over fettuccine.
What restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the popular Cajun chicken pasta dish served at T.G.I. Friday's.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 2 and 4 people.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Fettuccine is the recommended pasta for this recipe to provide the ideal texture for the savory sauce.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes fresh garlic, large chunks of onion, and diced green and red bell peppers.
Is this Cajun chicken pasta spicy?
Yes, the recipe uses cayenne pepper and a savory sauce to create a zesty and spicy flavor profile.
How is the sauce for the fettuccine made?
The sauce is created by deglazing the pan with chicken stock, adding V-8 vegetable juice and cayenne pepper, and then simmering.
How do you thicken the Cajun sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a cornstarch slurry made by mixing cornstarch with cold water.
What is the purpose of V-8 juice in this recipe?
V-8 vegetable juice provides a rich, savory vegetable base and vibrant color to the spicy sauce.
How should the chicken be prepared?
You should use one boneless, skinless chicken breast that has been cooked and sliced into strips.
What does it mean to deglaze the pan?
Deglazing involves pouring chicken stock into the pan to loosen and incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
The chopped garlic should be sautéed in olive oil for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
What does al dente mean for the pasta?
Al dente means cooking the fettuccine until it is firm to the bite, rather than completely soft.
How do I make the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 1 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water until smooth before adding it to the sauce.
When do I add the cooked chicken to the dish?
The sliced chicken breast is placed on top of the tossed pasta and sauce just before serving.
What garnishes are used for this dish?
The dish is finished with a garnish of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Can I substitute the chicken stock?
Yes, you can use vegetable stock if you prefer, though chicken stock provides the traditional flavor.
How should the onions and peppers be cut?
The onions should be cut into large chunks, and the peppers should be diced into large pieces for texture.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using 2 ounces of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How much fettuccine is required?
You will need 10 ounces of fettuccine pasta for this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, by omitting the chicken and using vegetable stock, you can create a vegetarian version of the pasta.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and one-pot meal because the sauce and vegetables are prepared in a single large sauté pan.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for the best finish, you can use 1/3 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute.
What side dishes go well with this pasta?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted corn.
Can I freeze Zesty Cajun Chicken Fettuccine?
It is best enjoyed fresh; freezing may change the texture of the cream-like sauce and the fettuccine noodles.
Do I add the pasta to the sauce or the sauce to the pasta?
The cooked and drained pasta should be added directly into the sauté pan with the sauce and stirred to coat.
How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.