Springtime ushers in the time to get outside in the yard, plant flowers or tidy up the lawn and enjoy the sunshine after what seems like a long, cold winter. By the time you’ve finished working in the fresh springtime air, however, you might not feel like making a big dinner, but there are tasty dishes you can make to quickly get a meal on the table on those days.
This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is one of them. It not only will please your family, especially if they like pasta, but also can be ready in no time. Even better, any leftovers are even tastier the next day, allowing you to serve up another quick meal.
If you’re not a fan of spicy foods and seasonings, you can tone down this recipe by using just two teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning and substituting the other 2 teaspoons with a teaspoon each of paprika and Seven Herbs and Spices.
You may also use boneless chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts if your family prefers dark meat. Either way, this pasta dish is one most everyone will enjoy.
CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, cut into chunks
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
8-ounces tri-color rotini noodles
Roma tomatoes chopped
Shaved Parmesan cheese
Green onions, chopped (optional)
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Moisten chicken and place in Ziploc bag. Add Cajun seasoning (or toned-down spices), seal bag and shake to coat. Chicken should be evenly coated.
In a large skillet, saute chicken in 2 tablespoons butter, turning when needed, about 10 minutes.
While chicken is cooking, combine cream with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in another pot. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder and lemon pepper. When cream mixture begins to bubble, lower heat and add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
When mixture is creamy, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine ingredients. Turn off heat and pour over cooked, drained pasta. Toss to coat evenly. Pour out or spoon into serving bowl or platter.
When chicken is done, top pasta with chicken strips and then top with tomatoes, green onions and shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Note: Evaporated milk may be substituted for the heavy whipping cream.
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Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
