Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil (to marinate the chicken, plus more for frying)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into 4 thin pieces)
• 7 oz rigatoni (or your choice of pasta)
• 1 1/2 tbsp cajun seasoning (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pasta water
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• chili flakes and parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, add chicken, olive oil, and 1 tbsp cajun seasoning. Massage to coat evenly and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.

2. 2

   Cook pasta to about 1 minute shy of al dente, and reserve about a cup of pasta water. While your pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in some oil, and cook your chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onion and garlic, followed by the bell pepper. Add tomato sauce, heavy cream, 1/2 cup pasta water, and the remaining 1/2 tbsp cajun seasoning.

4. 4

   Simmer the sauce for about 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in your pasta and half of the chicken sliced into bite-sized pieces. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is tender, add parmesan cheese, and season with salt to taste.

5. 5

   Serve each bowl of pasta with the remaining chicken pieces on top, and garnish with chili flakes and parsley. Enjoy!