Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
#### Cajun Sauce:
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms sliced or chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
#### Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in half to make 4 thin breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Pinch of cayenne powder optional
- More olive oil for the pan
#### Pasta:
- 10 ounces pasta
- Salt
Instructions
#### Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with chili powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne powder to make a marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken until it gets a nice sear on both sides and is cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
#### Sauce & Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously and cook the pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, using the same pan used for the chicken, sauté bell peppers and mushrooms until they get a nice color. Add garlic and butter, and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
- Serve and enjoy your flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta!