15 Southern Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Apr 10, 2024
One of the most popular and beloved dishes in Southern cuisine is Cajun chicken pasta. This flavorful and hearty dish combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with tender chicken and creamy pasta, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and authentic Southern Cajun chicken pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Breasts Halved, Pasta, Chili Powder
Looking for a delicious and flavorful chicken recipe? Look no further than Cajun chicken pasta! This dish is packed with bold and spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Here are 18 different variations of this popular dish to try out.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Linguine, Cajun Seasoning, Butter, Green
This creamy version of Cajun chicken pasta is perfect for those who love a little indulgence in their meals. The creaminess balances out the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning, creating a perfectly balanced and delicious dish.
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Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Grits, Cajun Seasoning
If you're a seafood lover, then this Cajun shrimp and grits dish is a must-try. The combination of tender shrimp and creamy grits is taken to a whole new level with the addition of Cajun seasoning. This dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner party.
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Spicy and Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cumin, Thyme, Marjoram
If you like your food on the spicier side, then this version of Cajun chicken pasta is for you. The creamy sauce is kicked up a notch with the addition of extra Cajun seasoning, giving this dish a fiery kick that will leave you wanting more.
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Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts Boneless Skinless, Cajun Seasoning
Love the Cajun chicken pasta from Chili's? Now you can recreate it at home with this recipe! It's just as delicious and flavorful as the restaurant version, but without the high price tag.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Chicken Breasts, Egg, Parmesan Cheese
Looking to add some greens to your Cajun chicken pasta? This recipe incorporates fresh spinach, adding a pop of color and nutrients to the dish. The spinach also helps balance out the spiciness, making it a great option for those who can't handle too much heat.
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New Orleans Sausage Shrimp Crawfish Pasta
Main Ingredients: Peeled Shrimp, Smoked Sausage, Crawfish, Butter, Onion
This Cajun-style pasta takes things up a notch with the addition of sausage and crawfish. The combination of different proteins gives this dish a unique and delicious flavor that will have your taste buds singing.
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Cajun Chicken and Rice
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Sausage, Medium Yellow Onion, Celery
This dish is a twist on the classic Cajun chicken pasta, swapping out the pasta for rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors and spices, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Celery, White Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Bell
Jambalaya is a traditional Cajun dish that is full of flavor and spice. This dish typically consists of rice, meat, and vegetables, cooked together in a flavorful broth. Give it a try for a truly authentic Cajun experience.
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Cajun Southern Fried Corn
Main Ingredients: Sweet Corn, Butter, Chicken Stock, Cajun Seasoning
This unique dish combines Cajun flavors with Southern-style fried corn. The corn is cooked in a buttery Cajun seasoning, adding a delicious and unexpected twist to this classic side dish.
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Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chopped Onion
Gumbo is a staple in Cajun cuisine, and this version features chicken and sausage as the main proteins. The rich and flavorful broth is packed with Cajun spices, making for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Smoky Cheddar Cauliflower Grits and Cajun Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Large Shrimp, Pineapple, Zucchini, Onion, Olive
If you're looking for a healthier option, give this dish a try. Instead of using traditional grits, this recipe uses cauliflower grits, which are lower in carbs and calories. The smoky and spicy Cajun shrimp adds a burst of flavor to this dish.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta in Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fettucine, Olive Oil, Boneless, Skinless Chicken
Looking to switch things up from the classic Cajun chicken pasta? This recipe uses a sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce, adding a tangy and flavorful twist to the dish.
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Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Main Ingredients: Fettuccine Pasta, Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Cracked Black
If you're a fan of alfredo sauce, then this dish is for you. This Cajun chicken alfredo is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. It's the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.
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Green Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Flour, Chopped Onion, Chopped Green Bell
This green gumbo is a vegetarian twist on the traditional Cajun dish. Packed with vegetables and greens, this dish is full of nutrients and flavor. It's a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
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Cajun Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onions, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper
This Cajun jambalaya is a one-pot wonder, making it a great dish for busy weeknights. It's packed with traditional Cajun flavors and can be customized with your choice of protein.
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Original Crawfish or Shrimp Monica
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Crawfish, Butter, Half And Half, Green Onions
This dish is a popular one from the New Orleans Jazz Fest and features crawfish or shrimp in a creamy and spicy sauce. It's a must-try for any Cajun food lover.
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Cajun-Brined Fried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Water, Kosher Salt, Cajun Seasoning, Chickens, All
If you're a fan of fried chicken, then you have to try this Cajun-brined version. The chicken is brined in a flavorful mixture of Cajun spices, resulting in a juicy and flavorful piece of fried chicken.
So there you have it, 18 delicious and unique variations of Cajun chicken pasta and other Cajun dishes to try out. Whether you like your food spicy or mild, there's a recipe on this list for everyone. So fire up your kitchen and get cooking some Cajun goodness!
The Key Ingredients
To make the perfect Southern Cajun chicken pasta, you'll need a handful of key ingredients. The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken, which can be either diced or shredded. The chicken is then coated in a flavorful blend of Cajun seasoning, which typically includes a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other herbs and spices. Next, you'll need pasta, preferably a long and thin variety like linguine or fettuccine, to soak up all the delicious flavors. For the creamy sauce, you'll need heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese. And finally, to add some texture and color, you'll need bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to the chicken, it's important to choose high-quality, fresh chicken for the best flavor. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness. If you have the time, you can even marinate the chicken in the Cajun seasoning for a few hours beforehand to really infuse it with flavor.
Don't Skimp on the Cajun Seasoning
The key to a truly authentic Southern Cajun chicken pasta is the Cajun seasoning. You can either buy a ready-made blend or make your own at home. The key is to make sure the seasoning is evenly coated on the chicken for maximum flavor. Don't be afraid to add a little extra if you like it spicy!
The Creamy Sauce
To make the creamy sauce, you'll need to melt butter in a pan and then add in the chicken, bell peppers, and onion. Once the chicken is cooked through, you'll add in the heavy cream and let it simmer until it thickens. Finally, you'll stir in the cooked pasta and top it off with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a rich and creamy finish.
Putting It All Together
Once all your ingredients are cooked and ready, it's time to combine them for the final dish. In a large pan, mix the chicken and vegetables with the cooked pasta and toss it all together to evenly coat everything in the creamy sauce. Top it off with some diced tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness. And there you have it, a delicious and authentic Southern Cajun chicken pasta that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana.
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips and tricks, it's time to get cooking! Serve up this mouth-watering dish at your next dinner party or make it for a cozy night in. Either way, your taste buds will thank you.
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