Cajun Chicken Pasta
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Creamy Alfredo Sauce over al dente fettuccini, topped with slightly spicy chicken strips, and fresh bruschetta! Tastes like something you would get at a restaurant.
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • CHICKEN:
  • 3-4 large chicken breasts (approx 2 lbs)
  • 1½ tbsp paprika (If you want it to be a little smokey, sub 1 tsp with smoked paprika.)
  • ½ tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • ¾ tsp oregano
  • ¾ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (according to taste)
  • BRUSCHETTA:
  • 4-5 large vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ⅓ cup basil leaves rolled and thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ALFREDO SAUCE AND PASTA
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • 2 tsp crushed garlic, approx. 2-3 small cloves
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ tsp + a pinch of salt
  • ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups freshly grated parmesan (approx. 5-6 ounces)
  • 1 pkg fettuccini noodles cooked according to package directions (don't forget to salt the water)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Prepare the seasoning by combining paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Generously coat each piece of chicken with the seasoning and place in a 9x13 baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees. If grilling, grill on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes on each side or until the internal thermometer reads 165 degrees.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bruschetta and alfredo sauce. Also, start the pot of water to boil for the pasta.
  5. For the bruschetta: combine the diced tomatoes, chopped garlic, sliced basil leaves, salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. The water should be boiling and ready for the noodles by now. Get them cooking so they will be done when the sauce is finished.
  7. For the Alfredo Sauce: in a medium-sized sauté pan, sauté the garlic and butter over medium-high heat for 1 minute or until it is softened and fragrant.
  8. Add the heavy cream, salt, Italian Seasoning, and ground pepper. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down a little, and allow to simmer/boil for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the parmesan cheese. Keep whisking/stirring as it simmers for 3-5 more minutes. It will thicken slightly.
  10. When ready to serve, plate each dish with a serving of pasta, creamy Alfredo Sauce, cut-up chicken pieces, and topped with Bruschetta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Enjoy!
Recipe by Real Life Dinner at https://reallifedinner.com/cajun-chicken-pasta/