Cajun Chicken Pasta

We've made this flavorful pasta dish a few times now and I have to say it's a success!   Even my picky eaters declared that I could make it again any time.  Enjoy! 

Don't be intimidated by the Creole spice mixture this calls for.  I found it very inexpensively ($2-$3) in the spice section at our normal grocery store.  I also use it on mashed potatoes. 

Recipe Source:  Minnesota Bread

 Click here for printable recipe.

Posted by Lara. 

Ingredients:
3 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

3 tsp. Cajun (or Creole) spice mix, more to taste (I found this very inexpensively in the spice section at our grocery store)

1 pound fettuccine noodles

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 Tbs. butter

1 whole green bell pepper, seeded and sliced

1 whole red bell pepper, seeded and sliced

1 large red onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14-oz. each) diced tomatoes, DRAINED

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. salt

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnishment  (I used about a tablespoon of dried parsley)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain when pasta is still al dente; do NOT overcook! 

Sprinkle 1-1/2 teaspoons Cajun spice over chicken pieces. Toss around to coat.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy skillet (I recommend a cast iron skillet) over high heat. Add half the chicken in a single layer; do not stir. Allow chicken to brown on one side, about 1 minute.

Flip to the other side and cook an additional minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a clean plate.

Repeat with remaining chicken. Remove chicken, leaving pan on high heat.

Add remaining olive oil and butter.

When heated, add peppers, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle on remaining Cajun spice, and add salt if needed.

Cook over very high heat for 1 minute, stirring gently and trying to get the vegetables as dark/black as possible. Add drained tomatoes and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove all vegetables from the pan.

With the pan over high heat, pour in the chicken broth. Cook on high for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.

Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in cream, stirring/whisking constantly. Cook sauce over medium-low heat for a few minutes, until cream starts to thicken the mixture. Taste and add freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and/or salt to taste.

Finally, add chicken making sure to include all the juices that have drained onto the plate. Stir and cook for 2-4  minutes,  or until chicken is cooked through.

Add vegetables and heat until mixture is bubbly and hot. Add drained fettuccine and toss to combine.

Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately!

Enjoy! 

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