Name: Louisiana Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/4 cup flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup oil for frying; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup onion, diced; Salt and pepper to taste; 10 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked and drained; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon flour; 2 cups heavy cream; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Cayenne pepper, optional (to taste)

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If you’re craving a rich and flavorful dish that packs a little heat, Louisiana Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice! This dish combines crispy, breaded chicken with colorful vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce. The bold, spicy flavors from Cajun seasoning bring everything together, making it an unforgettable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch to the pasta. This is the perfect dinner to serve for any occasion, and it’s easy to make, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy, Juicy Chicken

The chicken breasts are breaded and fried, giving them a crispy coating that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy meat inside.

2. Rich, Creamy Cajun Sauce

The Cajun cream sauce is rich and velvety, with just the right amount of spice to balance the flavors of the dish. It’s the perfect complement to the pasta and chicken.

3. Full of Flavor

With a combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and parmesan, this dish is bursting with flavor. Each bite is savory, creamy, and perfectly spiced.

4. Easy to Customize

You can adjust the spice level of the Cajun cream sauce by adding more or less cayenne pepper or adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This dish reheats wonderfully, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Ingredients

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup oil for frying

Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup onion, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
10 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked and drained

Cajun Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper to the Cajun cream sauce for more heat.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and substitute with extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Protein Options: Swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different take on this classic dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Once done, set the chicken aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onion. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. If you like it spicier, add cayenne pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the Cajun cream sauce over the pasta and stir to combine. Gently toss the crispy chicken slices over the top and let everything simmer together for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Louisiana chicken pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
Cream Sauce Consistency: If the cream sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

How to Serve

Garnish: Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
With Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the dish for extra nutrients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Louisiana chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta and sauce will keep their flavor and texture.

Freezing

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the Cajun cream sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the pasta in a pan on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Reheat the chicken in the oven or in a skillet to keep it crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will add extra juiciness.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Cajun cream sauce for a spicier kick.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble them when ready to serve.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.

6. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use light cream, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

7. How can I make the chicken less greasy?

To make the chicken less greasy, consider baking it in the oven or air-frying instead of frying in oil.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains flour and panko breadcrumbs, so it’s not gluten-free unless you substitute them with gluten-free alternatives.

9. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, store-bought Cajun seasoning will work perfectly in this recipe.

10. How do I reheat the pasta without drying it out?

When reheating, add a little more cream or chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out.

Conclusion

Louisiana Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With crispy chicken, tender pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave again and again!