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Creamy, Spicy Chicken Pasta

Creamy, Spicy Chicken Pasta: A Cozy Weeknight Delight

Enjoy this Creamy, Spicy Chicken Pasta, a delicious blend of flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 6 oz dry Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta) Feel free to swap it for penne or macaroni.
For the Chicken
  • 8 oz Chicken Breast Try boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust to your heat preference.
  • 2 tsp Avocado Oil Olive oil is a flavorful alternative.
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced) Pre-minced is a convenient substitute.
  • 2 tsp Tomato Paste Skip if fresh tomatoes are available.
  • 1 cup Half and Half (or heavy cream) Use heavy cream for a richer texture.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free option.
  • Salt freshly cracked Black Pepper Key seasonings to enhance flavor.
For the Vegetables
  • 1/2 cup diced Orange Bell Pepper Substitute with green or yellow bell peppers.
  • 2/3 cup thinly sliced Zucchini Adjust based on preference.
  • 2 tbsp minced Jalapeño Replace with red pepper flakes for less spice.
  • 1/3 cup diced Tomato Cherry tomatoes can be halved as an alternative.
  • 1/3 cup chopped Green Onion Can be divided for garnish.
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Adjust to suit your taste.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breast generously with Cajun seasoning and let it rest.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a skillet, add the chicken, and cook until browned and cooked through.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add zucchini, orange bell peppers, and jalapeños to the skillet and sauté until tender.
  4. Add Tomatoes & Pasta: Stir in diced tomatoes, green onions, and tomato paste. Cook pasta separately.
  5. Create Sauce: Add garlic and crushed red pepper, then pour in half and half and simmer until thickened.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss drained pasta with the sauce, gradually adding reserved pasta water and cheese.
  7. Serve: Divide between bowls and top with additional green onions, crushed red pepper, and Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and enhance creaminess. Allow chicken to rest before slicing to retain juiciness. Adjust spice levels gradually and feel free to mix seasonal veggies.

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