Cajun Chicken Creamy Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
6 oz dry Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta
02 -
8 oz Chicken Breast
03 -
2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
04 -
2 tsp Avocado oil
→ Vegetables
05 -
1/2 cup diced Orange Bell Pepper
06 -
2/3 cup thinly sliced Zucchini
07 -
2 tbsp minced Jalapeno
08 -
1/3 cup diced Tomato
09 -
1/3 cup chopped Green Onion, divided
→ Sauce
10 -
2 tsp Tomato Paste
11 -
1 clove Garlic, minced
12 -
1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper, plus more for serving
13 -
1 cup Half and Half or heavy cream
14 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
15 -
Salt & freshly cracked Black Pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp per side. Allow seasoned chicken to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while preparing vegetables.
02 -
Heat avocado oil in a large, nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
03 -
In the same pan, cook zucchini, bell pepper, and jalapenos for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Scrape any browned bits from the pan into the vegetables as they cook.
04 -
Add tomatoes, green onions, and tomato paste with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simultaneously, begin boiling farfalle pasta in salted water until al dente, about one minute less than package directions (typically 10-12 minutes).
05 -
Stir garlic and crushed red pepper into the cooked vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, add half and half, and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 -
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Incorporate parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, while tossing until desired creaminess is achieved.
07 -
Divide pasta between warm bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with additional crushed red pepper, green onions, and parmesan cheese.
# Notes:
01 -
Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining to help create a silky sauce.
02 -
For maximum flavor, allow the chicken to rest with seasonings before cooking.