Cajun Chicken Pasta With Bayou Blend Seasoning
Discover a symphony of bold flavors with our Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe. Crafted with our signature Bayou Blend Seasoning, this dish boasts a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Elevate your culinary experience with a taste of the bayou in every bite!
Ingredients:
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1" chunks
2-4 tbsp. Bayou Blend Seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain when pasta is still al dente; do not overcook.
Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of Bayou Blend Seasoning over the chicken pieces. Toss to coat.
In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over high heat. Add half of the chicken in a single layer; do not stir. Allow the chicken to brown on one side, about 1 minute. Flip to the other side and cook for an additional minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken to a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Remove the chicken, leaving the pan on high heat.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. When heated, add the peppers, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle on the remaining Bayou Blend Seasoning and Cook over high heat for 1 minute. Stirring gently, try to get the vegetables as dark/black as possible. Add the tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove all of the vegetables from the pan.
With the pan over high heat, pour in the wine and chicken broth. Cook on high for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the cream, stirring/whisking constantly. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat until the cream starts to thicken the mixture, a few minutes.
Finally, add the chicken and vegetables to the sauce, making sure to include all the juices that have drained onto the plate. Stir and cook until the mixture is bubbly and hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine.
Top with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy your Bayou Blend Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Suggested Sides/Wine & Drink Parings:
Garlic Breadsticks: Whip up some flavorful garlic breadsticks to complement the robust Cajun flavors. The garlic-infused buttery goodness will be a delightful addition to your meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Prepare a side of colorful grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. The smokiness from the grill will add depth to the meal.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons will provide a refreshing contrast to the Cajun pasta.
Chardonnay: A buttery and oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy elements of the Cajun Chicken Pasta. The wine's richness and subtle vanilla notes provide a nice balance to the dish.
Craft Beer - Pale Ale: A pale ale with its hoppy bitterness and citrusy notes can cut through the richness of the creamy sauce while complementing the bold flavors of the Cajun seasoning.
Feel free to mix and match these sides and beverages based on your preferences, and enjoy your delicious Cajun-inspired feast!
Tips:
Adjust Spice Levels: Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more if needed. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop, slice, and measure all your ingredients before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process, especially when dealing with high-heat cooking like Cajun-style dishes.
Deglaze the Pan Thoroughly: When adding wine and chicken broth, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly to deglaze it. This step lifts the flavorful bits stuck to the pan, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-packaged grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the sauce.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until it reaches the al dente stage. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when combined with the creamy Cajun sauce. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and test the pasta for doneness to ensure it retains its ideal texture.
These tips should help you achieve a delicious and well-balanced GLS Cajun Chicken Pasta. Enjoy your culinary adventure!