Louisiana Chicken Pasta

Louisiana Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that brings a little spice and a lot of satisfaction to your dinner table. Featuring crispy, seasoned chicken breast served over tender bowtie pasta, and topped with a rich Cajun cream sauce, this recipe combines the best of Southern comfort food with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, while the creamy, spicy sauce complements the pasta and vegetables beautifully. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, Louisiana Chicken Pasta is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Cajun Flavor

With Cajun seasoning in both the chicken and the creamy sauce, this dish packs a flavorful punch that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little spice.

2. Crispy Chicken

The chicken is breaded with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, creating a perfectly crispy texture on the outside while staying tender on the inside.

3. Creamy Cajun Sauce

The rich, velvety Cajun cream sauce made with heavy cream and chicken broth is the perfect complement to the chicken and pasta, adding an indulgent touch to every bite.

4. Vegetable Variety

The dish includes colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, which add not only flavor but also a healthy and colorful touch to your meal.

5. Family-Friendly

With its balance of creamy sauce, flavorful chicken, and pasta, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the 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

For the 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 Chicken: If you like your food extra spicy, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken and sauce.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or tomatoes, for a vegetarian twist.
• Pasta Choice: While bowtie pasta works great, you can substitute any pasta of your choice, like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
• Grilled Chicken: For a lighter version, you can grill the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier take on this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic, mushrooms, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the pan and toss to combine with the vegetables. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning, and add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Slice the crispy chicken into strips. Plate the pasta and vegetable mixture, and then top with the sliced chicken. Pour the Cajun cream sauce over the entire dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious Louisiana Chicken Pasta!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For Extra Crispy Chicken: Make sure to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken so they adhere well, ensuring an extra-crunchy crust.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preference. Start with a small amount and increase if you like more heat.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer, or add a bit more flour to the roux to achieve the desired consistency.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken and pasta separately in the fridge, and reheat the sauce gently before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve Louisiana Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, pasta, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta and sauce will keep their flavors well when stored separately.

Freezing

For freezing, store the pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. The chicken can be frozen as well, but it’s best to freeze it whole and slice it once reheated. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta and sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer darker meat. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

2. Can I make the Cajun sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Cajun sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

3. Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond meal as a substitute for the panko breadcrumbs.

4. Can I make this dish without the Cajun seasoning?

Yes, you can make a milder version of this dish by omitting the Cajun seasoning. Instead, you can season with Italian herbs or garlic powder for flavor.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Choose your favorite to pair with the rich sauce.

6. Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

7. How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a moderate level of spiciness due to the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit the cayenne pepper.

8. Can I make the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and slice it when ready to serve. Reheat the chicken before serving.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, spinach, or tomatoes, for added flavor and nutrition.

10. Can I use non-dairy alternatives for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream, such as coconut cream or almond cream, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make the sauce dairy-free.

Conclusion

Louisiana Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that offers the perfect combination of crispy chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, and tender pasta. With a little bit of spice and plenty of richness, this dish will be a hit at the dinner table. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

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