Cajun Chicken Pasta

Photo from I Am
Homesteader

I've made a couple of different versions of "cajun chicken pasta" and each one has their own flavor
profile while having the same flavor profile. I know. It's weird. 

This was yummy. I've never cooked with ziti pasta before and think I may have a new favorite pasta shape.

I added some andouille sausage because I had some in the freezer and I really think it adds to the "Cajun-ness" of this recipe.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Recipe from I Am Homesteader

Serves 4

Noodles

• 8 ounces ziti noodles
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 T olive oil

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Sauce

• 2 T unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 tsp garlic, minced
• 1½ c heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for garnish)
• 2 T Cajun seasoning
• salt and pepper, to taste
• fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

In a large pot filled with water, add salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add noodles and cook al dente, according to package directions.

Reserve 1 cup of pasta water; drain the rest.

Pound the chicken breasts so that they are even in thickness. Season on all sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

To a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, and heat until oil is sizzling.

When the oil is hot, add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink and fully cooked. (Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.)

Remove chicken from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Tent to keep warm as you make the sauce.

To the same skillet over medium heat, add butter. Once the butter has melted, add onions and cook until softened (8-10 minutes).

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add heavy cream, ½ cup pasta water, parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine. (At this point, taste the sauce for flavor. Add more Cajun seasoning if needed.)

Reduce heat to low and add cooked noodles to the skillet. (If you want a thinner sauce, add more reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.)

Add chicken. Toss to combine.

Serve immediately. Salt and pepper to taste.