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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

20 minServes 4Nutri-Score C€€
Adapt this recipe

what you need

Ingredients

4 people
  • chicken breasts (large, flattened to an even thickness)Meat2 pieces
  • olive oil (divided)Pantry45 ml
  • paprika (divided)Spices8 g
  • garlic powder (divided)Spices9 g
  • onion powderSpices5 g
  • Italian seasoning (divided)Spices7 g
  • saltSpices10 g
  • black pepper (divided)Spices7 g
  • cayenne pepper (optional)Spices4 g
  • rigatoniGrains225 g
  • butterDairy42 g
  • shallot (large, finely diced)Produce1 piece
  • garlic (cloves, minced)Produce7 pieces
  • heavy cream (room temperature)Dairy240 ml
  • chicken bouillon powderPantry3 g
  • Parmesan (freshly grated)Dairy75 g
  • parsley (fresh, chopped)Produce5 g

per serving

Nutrition

531kcal

Carbs
48 g
Proteins
26 g
Fat
26 g
Adapt tools

what you’ll use

Tools

  • Sauté pan
  • Stockpot
  • Colander
  • Tongs

step by step

Method

  1. Season the chicken

    • Pat the chicken dry and pound to an even thickness.
    • Coat with olive oil, then season on both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and cayenne.
    Step 1
  2. Boil the pasta

    • Boil the rigatoni in salted water until just shy of al dente.
    • Save at least 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
    Step 2
  3. Sear the chicken

    • Heat a large pan over medium heat for a few minutes, add olive oil and increase to medium-high.
    • Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 min per side until golden, reducing the heat if needed, and cook through.
    • Set aside to rest.
    Step 3
  4. Build the sauce base

    • Reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same pan, scraping up the fond.
    • Add the shallot and cook for 5 min.
    • Add the garlic and cook for 1 more min.
    Step 4
  5. Make the creamy sauce

    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the cream.
    • Add the chicken bouillon powder, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and black pepper, then simmer for 2–3 min.
    • Reduce the heat to low, add the Parmesan and stir until smooth.
    Step 5
  6. Toss and serve

    • Add the pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water, tossing over low heat until the sauce is silky, adding more pasta water as needed.
    • Slice the chicken, add it on top and finish with more Parmesan and fresh parsley.
    Step 6