Oh, the magic of comfort food! This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is like a warm hug after a long day—spicy, indulgent, and just a little bit rebellious. I remember the first time I whipped it up; it was one of those chaotic Tuesday nights when nothing seemed to go right, and this dish turned everything around. So, grab your fork and dive into a bowl of pure joy, where the flavors dance like it’s Mardi Gras.
Steps
- Begin by preparing all the vegetables, slicing the bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion, and mincing the garlic.
- In a blender, mix the skim milk, flour, and cream cheese to create a slurry and set it aside for later use.
- Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and salt to your taste preference.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package’s al dente instructions.
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, spray some oil and cook half of the chicken strips for about five to six minutes until done. Repeat for the remaining chicken and set aside.
- Add olive oil to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and sauté the bell peppers, onions, and garlic for three to four minutes.
- Add mushrooms and tomatoes, continue sautéing for another three to four minutes until the vegetables are tender, and season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the chicken broth and the prepared slurry, stirring continuously for about two minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, adjust the seasoning as needed, and heat for another minute.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat with the sauce. Top with chopped scallions before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked linguine
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup skim milk
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 tablespoons light cream cheese
- Fresh cracked pepper
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Kosher salt to taste
- Olive oil spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1620 kcal | Carbohydrates: 220 g | Protein: 130 g | Fat: 30 g | Saturated Fat: 7.5 g | Cholesterol: 220 mg | Sodium: 630 mg | Fiber: 30 g | Sugar: 15 g
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients in Cajun Chicken Pasta?
- Cajun Chicken Pasta includes linguine or another pasta of your choice, boneless skinless chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onions, as well as a creamy sauce made from skim milk, flour, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
- How can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta dairy-free?
- To make the dish dairy-free, omit the cream cheese and replace the skim milk with extra chicken broth. For a creamy texture, you can also try using almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
- Can I freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta leftovers?
- While it’s generally not recommended to freeze dishes containing dairy, you can freeze leftovers if you don’t plan to eat them within four days. Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to three months.
- What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or use a combination of both. For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or additional vegetables, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- What is the difference between Cajun seasoning and Creole seasoning?
- Cajun seasoning is typically spicier and consists of spices like cayenne, black pepper, and garlic powder. Creole seasoning includes herbs such as oregano, thyme, and paprika, making it slightly less spicy but with more complex flavors.
Tips
- Prep All Vegetables in Advance: Before you start cooking, ensure all your vegetables are chopped and ready. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Adjust Cajun Seasoning to Taste: Use one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor and two teaspoons for more heat. You can always add more seasoning at the end if needed.
- Create a Creamy Sauce Without Heavy Cream: Blend skim milk, flour, and light cream cheese to create a creamy sauce without needing heavy cream. This keeps the dish lighter while still providing a rich texture.
- Consider Variations for Dietary Preferences: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
Equipment
- Blender – Used to make the slurry by blending milk, flour, and cream cheese.
- Large Nonstick Skillet – Essential for sautéing the chicken and vegetables without sticking.
- Olive Oil Spray – For lightly coating the skillet.
- Measuring Spoons – Useful for accurately measuring seasoning and spices.
- Measuring Cups – Needed for measuring liquids like chicken broth and milk.
