Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz bowtie pasta
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Directions:
1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated!
2. Cook the pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the chicken and veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, basil, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
6. Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 | Calories: Approximately 550 per serving