This Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe brings a delightful kick of spice and creamy comfort to your dinner table. Inspired by the hearty and flavorful style of Ree Drummond, this dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich Cajun cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a weeknight wonder that’s both quick to prepare and satisfyingly delicious, making it a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 3 teaspoons Cajun spice mix, plus more to taste
- 1 pound fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
-
Begin by cooking the fettuccine according to the package directions. It’s crucial to drain the pasta when it is still al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce. Overcooked pasta can detract from the overall texture of the dish. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Prepare the chicken by sprinkling 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun spice mix over the chicken cubes. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spice blend.
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted, add half of the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Avoid stirring immediately; let the chicken sear and brown on one side for about 1 minute. This searing process helps to develop a flavorful crust. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another minute on the other side. Remove the browned chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a clean plate.
-
Repeat the previous step with the remaining chicken, ensuring each batch is browned nicely. Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving the skillet on high heat with the flavorful pan drippings.
-
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once heated, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the remaining Cajun spice over the vegetables and add salt if needed. Cook over high heat for approximately 1 minute, stirring gently. The goal is to slightly char or blacken the vegetables, which enhances their sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the dish. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
-
With the skillet still over high heat, deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine and chicken broth. Cook on high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring or whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.
-
Continue to cook the sauce over medium-low heat for a few minutes, until the cream begins to thicken and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and season with freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper for extra heat, and salt as needed. Remember, a good Cajun sauce has a noticeable spicy kick, so adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference.
-
Finally, add the cooked chicken and vegetables to the creamy Cajun sauce. Be sure to include any flavorful juices that have accumulated on the plate from the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
-
Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the Cajun chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to thoroughly coat the pasta with the luscious sauce.
-
Serve immediately, garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley. This Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed hot, allowing you to savor the creamy, spicy, and flavorful combination.
