Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo (Print)

Creamy pasta tossed with Cajun-spiced chicken and colorful bell peppers for a flavorful, satisfying meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Cajun Seasoning

01 - 2 teaspoons paprika
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Main Ingredients

09 - 300 grams penne pasta
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
13 - 1 small onion, finely diced (about 60 grams)
14 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 120 grams)
15 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 120 grams)
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - 240 milliliters heavy cream
18 - 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
19 - Salt, to taste
20 - Black pepper, to taste

→ To Serve (Optional)

21 - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
22 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Toss sliced chicken breasts with 1.5 teaspoons of the prepared Cajun spice blend. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and cook until browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
04 - In the same skillet, add diced onion along with sliced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
05 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Sprinkle over the remaining Cajun spice blend.
06 - Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained penne, and mix well so everything is coated in sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
08 - Taste and adjust with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Portion into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Lightly toasting the Cajun spice blend in a dry pan before use will intensify its smoky aroma.
02 - Opt for freshly grated Parmesan to ensure the sauce melts evenly and delivers full flavour.