Cajun chicken pasta has always been a favorite of mine. I love the way it brings a little heat to the dinner table. This dish marries the comforting texture of pasta with the bold flavors of the South. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to take a moment to savor each bite, where the richness of cream and cheese blends harmoniously with the zest of Cajun spices.
When cooking at home, it’s thrilling to recreate restaurant-style dishes like O’Charley’s popular Cajun chicken pasta. The process gives me a chance to put my own spin on the recipe and adjust the seasonings to my taste. Sure, gathering the ingredients takes some effort, but the aromatic smell that fills the kitchen as you cook is a rewarding part of the experience. Best of all, it’s a versatile dish. You can adjust the heat level or even add extra vegetables to round out the meal.
Key Takeaways
- Cajun chicken pasta is a perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors.
- Personalizing the recipe allows for tailored heat levels and ingredient preferences.
- The dish provides a fulfilling opportunity to create a restaurant-style meal at home.
Ingredients Overview
In crafting the beloved O’Charley’s Cajun Chicken Pasta, I pay close attention to selecting the finest ingredients. Let’s get to know the key components that make this dish burst with flavor.
Pasta and Its Types
When it comes to pasta, the type you choose makes a world of difference. For this recipe, penne pasta is an excellent choice because of its ability to hold onto sauces with its ridges. You might also encounter recipes that suggest using linguine or fettuccine, allowing the creamy sauce to coat each strand effectively.
Choosing the Best Chicken
For the star protein, boneless skinless chicken breasts are my go-to because they’re lean and easy to slice. It’s crucial to ensure they’re fresh and tender to achieve that perfect juicy bite in each forkful.
Dairy Products
The creaminess of this dish heavily relies on high-quality dairy products. Heavy cream and butter lend a luscious texture, while freshly grated parmesan, along with its shredded counterpart, add a depth of flavor providing that beautiful cheesy pull.
Seasonings and Spices
A blend of Cajun seasoning brings the dish its smoky and spicy notes. The seasoning often includes garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and paprika. Adding herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano brings freshness and balance.
Vegetables and Additional Proteins
While chicken is the focal ingredient, adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes not only brings color but also layers of flavor. For those who enjoy a bit more luxury, tossing in some shrimp adds another level of richness to this indulgent pasta.
Cooking Instructions
In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps needed to prepare this rich and flavorful dish. We’ll start by readying the chicken and spices before moving on to crafting a creamy Cajun sauce and finally combining everything with the pasta of your choice.
Preparing the Ingredients
First, make sure to have your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs ready. I prefer chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs can offer more flavor and tenderness. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. After that, generously coat the chicken pieces with a Cajun seasoning blend to get that signature spice kick.
Making the Cajun Sauce
Once the chicken is well coated and set aside, you can start on the Cajun sauce. In the same skillet, use a bit of butter or oil to sauté minced garlic and diced onions until they’re translucent and aromatic. Then, whisk in some flour to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Slowly, incorporate chicken stock and heavy cream, and make sure to stir over a medium-low heat until the sauce thickens. Depending on your mood, you can also add cheese like Parmesan to give the sauce an extra savory note.
Combining Ingredients and Pasta
Now, the best part: bringing it all together. First, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water just until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta water to help thicken the sauce later if needed. After draining the pasta, toss it into the skillet with the Cajun sauce, adding the spiced chicken. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of the pasta water can loosen it up. Finally, give everything a good stir to make sure each strand of pasta is coated with the velvety sauce and the chicken is distributed throughout.
O’Charley’s Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Spicy Favorite Made Easy!
Course: DinnerCuisine: CajunDifficulty: Easy2
servings15
minutes25
minutesA flavorful copycat O’Charley’s Cajun Chicken Pasta featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and vibrant bell peppers over penne pasta.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add the sliced Cajun chicken on top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
As an avid fan of Cajun cuisine and a home chef, I’ve gathered some common queries to help you perfect your Cajun Chicken Pasta.
What ingredients are needed for a creamy Cajun chicken pasta?
For a creamy Cajun chicken pasta, you’ll need chicken breast, Cajun seasoning, butter, heavy cream, bell peppers, pasta, and Parmesan cheese. Some recipes might add garlic and onions for additional flavor.
How can I make sure my Cajun chicken pasta tastes like it’s homemade?
To ensure your Cajun chicken pasta has that authentic homemade taste, use fresh ingredients and prepare your own Cajun seasoning from scratch. You could also try sautéing your vegetables to perfection before adding them to the dish.
Can you provide the nutrition facts for Cajun chicken pasta?
Nutrition facts for Cajun chicken pasta can vary, but a serving typically contains calories from the pasta and chicken, fat from the cream and butter, and protein from the chicken. For specific details, you should look up the recipe’s nutrition information or calculate based on the ingredients you use.
Is there a special technique to prepare the chicken for Cajun pasta?
Yes, for a flavorful and juicy chicken in your Cajun pasta, season the chicken well with Cajun spice and then cook it until it’s no longer pink inside. Some prefer to sear the chicken at high heat to lock in the juices before reducing the heat.
What are some variations of Cajun chicken pasta from popular restaurants?
Popular restaurants might add a twist to Cajun chicken pasta by incorporating different cheeses, such as Gouda or blue cheese, or by adding vegetables like mushrooms or sundried tomatoes.
How can I adjust the spiciness of my Cajun chicken pasta?
Adjusting the spiciness of your Cajun chicken pasta is simple. You can alter the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
You can also add less spice or serve with a dollop of sour cream to tone it down.