This Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy and spicy recipe, which uses boneless chicken breast and fettuccine. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 25 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta Ingredients
- 1 lb. fettuccine
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 4 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, to serve
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add half of the chicken in a single layer and brown for 1 minute per side. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Cook the vegetables: Add remaining olive oil and butter to the pan. Add the bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Season with the rest of the Cajun seasoning and salt. Cook over high heat for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 30 more seconds. Remove vegetables to a plate.
- Make the sauce: With the pan still on high heat, pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom to deglaze. Let it reduce for 3-5 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low, stir in the cream, and cook until thickened. Season with black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
- Combine everything: Return the chicken and vegetables (with any juices) to the skillet. Stir and cook until hot and bubbly, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How to make it less spicy: Use less cayenne pepper and reduce the Cajun seasoning.
- What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning? Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper to make your own.
- Can I use a different pasta? Yes, penne or linguine are great alternatives to fettuccine.
- How to thicken the sauce: Simmer the sauce a few extra minutes or add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- How to make it healthier: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap white wine for more broth.
What To Serve With Cajun Chicken Pasta
This creamy Cajun pasta pairs well with fresh sides and light breads:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A simple cucumber tomato salad
How To Store Cajun Chicken Pasta
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended due to the cream sauce, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly to prevent curdling.
Cajun Chicken Pasta Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 580 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make Cajun chicken pasta without wine?
Yes, just replace the white wine with more chicken broth.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Reduce the heat before adding the cream and stir constantly.
Why is my chicken dry?
It likely overcooked. Make sure to brown it quickly on high heat without overdoing it.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and make the sauce ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for best texture.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
