Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken and smoky turkey bacon in a smooth, spicy sauce enriched with plant-based cheese and cream. Perfect for a cozy meal or entertaining guests, this recipe balances bold Cajun spices with creamy textures and vibrant vegetables for an indulgent yet wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta (or gluten-free alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice chicken breasts into even strips and chop smoked turkey bacon, bell peppers, onions, and garlic cloves finely. Ensure all ingredients are ready before cooking for a smooth process.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan to enhance the sauce later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, red and green bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook until softened and fragrant, stirring regularly to prevent burning the garlic.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook thoroughly until browned and cooked through, coating the chicken evenly with the spices for maximum flavor.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to deglaze the pan. Stir well, allowing the liquids to reduce slightly and coat the ingredients.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the plant-based heavy cream and sprinkle the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously. Add the plant-based cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens to a silky, creamy consistency.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece in the luscious creamy Cajun sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon to the pan, mixing it in for an added smoky crunch. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning or freshly made spice blends for better flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to control spice level according to preference.
- Simmer the sauce slowly over low heat to avoid separation and achieve the best creamy texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce if needed for improved silkiness and better sauce adherence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, spicy pasta, gluten-free pasta
