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Spicy Chicken Pasta

Spicy Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Spicy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, satisfying dish packed with flavor. Featuring tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich sauce, this easy weeknight dinner will satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for a delicious meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided in half (adjust to taste))
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • ½ red onion (diced)
  • 3 fresh tomatoes (seeded and diced)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Grater
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Saucepan
  • Frying Pan
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Make sure to set aside a cup of pasta water before draining, as it will help adjust the sauce later. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely before moving on to the next step.
  3. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet along with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Next, add the diced red onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, adding a nice aromatic base to your dish.
  5. Now, stir in the fresh tomatoes, chicken broth, and the reserved cup of pasta water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat to medium and add the heavy whipping cream and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
  7. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it has melted and combined seamlessly into the sauce.
  8. Now, add the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
  9. For the finishing touch, garnish your Spicy Chicken Pasta with chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Tip 1: Having everything ready before you start this recipe will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
  • Tip 2: For the perfect texture, aim for al dente when cooking your pasta. This means it should be tender yet still have a slight bite.
  • Tip 3: If you want a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry, which is made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1½ tablespoons of water.
  • Tip 4: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.