This meal is a delicious blend of tangy chicken, colorful veggies, and luxurious cream cheese, all intertwined in a cozy and heartening pasta delight.
Hey cousins! I’m back with an amazing pasta dish. Classic comfort food meets lively spice in this Lite Creamy Cajun Pasta. Envision linguine noodles encased in a rich Alfredo sauce that gets a vivacious kick from Cajun flavor. Beginning with juicy chicken breasts that have been well roasted and seasoned with a robust mixture of Cajun spices and garlic, this meal comes to life. A delicious contrast to the velvety pasta is added by chopped red bell pepper and zucchini, which offer a crisp, fresh depth.
The alluring scent of spices boiling and cheese melting wafts across the kitchen as you whip up this recipe. As it thickens, the sauce—a delectable blend of cream cheese, chicken stock, and Parmesan—beautifully covers the pasta. You may enhance the taste profile by adding optional peas for a touch of sweetness. When presented in its final form, this dish is a visual and gustatory extravaganza. The recipe offers a delightful fusion of Alfredo sauce’s soothing familiarity with Cajun cuisine’s robust flavors, creating a memorable and delicious meal.
So are you ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s go!
How to Make Lite Creamy Cajun Pasta
Ingredients
- Linguine (½ Pound): Serves as the base of the dish, providing a sturdy and absorbent pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce well.
- Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon): Used for sautéing the chicken, it adds a subtle richness and helps in cooking the chicken evenly.
- Chicken Breast (1, cut into ½ inch pieces): Adds a lean protein to the dish, bringing a meaty texture and absorbing the Cajun flavors beautifully.
- Zucchini (2, diced): Contributes a mild, vegetal flavor and a bit of crunch, adding nutritional value and color.
- Red Bell Pepper (1 medium, diced): Offers a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
- Minced Garlic (1 Tablespoon): Infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor that is fundamental to many savory dishes.
- Cajun Seasoning (3 Tablespoons): The heart of the dish’s flavor profile, providing a spicy, smoky, and slightly earthy taste.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors of the dish; adjust based on the salt content of your Cajun seasoning.
- Peas (1 Cup, Optional): Adds a sweet contrast and a pleasant textural element. They also bring a pop of green color.
- Grated Parmesan (¼ Cup, plus extra for garnish): Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese (¼ Cup): Provides the creamy base for the Alfredo sauce, lending a rich, smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (1 can, 15oz): Forms the liquid base of the sauce, contributing to its depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Water (1 ½ Cups): Used to cook the pasta within the sauce, allowing it to absorb flavors as it cooks.
Instructions
- Warm Olive Oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in the pot for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic to the pot; cook for 30 seconds.
- Season the cooked chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, mix Linguine, Zucchini, Red Pepper, Chicken Broth, Water, Salt, and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly done.
- Add cream cheese, parmesan, and peas to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the dish hot.
How to Store and Reheat Lite Creamy Cajun Pasta Leftovers
Storing and reheating leftovers of the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Twirl can be done effectively to maintain its flavor and texture.
Storing Leftovers
- Cool Down: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes. Avoid leaving it out for longer than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
- Transfer to Container: Place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container. If you have a large quantity, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This helps in both cooling the pasta quicker and reheating only the needed amount later.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Leftovers
- Microwave: For a quick method, use a microwave. Place the desired amount of pasta in a microwave-safe dish, and add a splash of water or chicken broth to moisten it. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheating on the stovetop is ideal for preserving the texture. Put the pasta in a skillet or saucepan, add a little water or chicken broth, and cover. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through. This method helps to redistribute the flavors and keeps the pasta from drying out.
- Oven: For larger quantities, the oven can be effective. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, add a small amount of water or broth, and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly warmed.
Remember, with cream-based sauces, gentle reheating is key to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming too oily.
Need more dinner ideas? Check these out!
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Lite Creamy Cajun Pasta
Ingredients
- 15 oz Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 ½ cups Water
- ½ lbs Linguine
- 1 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1 Chicken Breast diced into ½ inch morsels
- 2 Zucchini finely chopped
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper finely chopped
- 1 TBSP Minced Garlic
- 3 TBSP Cajun Seasoning divided
- 1 tsp salt more for taste if needed
- 1 cup Peas
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan plus extra for that fancy garnish
- ¼ cup Cream Cheese
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes until fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning onto the chicken, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, combine Linguine, Zucchini, Red Pepper, Chicken Broth, Water, Salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes, or until pasta is almost done.
- Add cream cheese, parmesan, and peas. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
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