Cajun Chicken Pasta
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/3e9f7395-045a-4936-89d4-1557e1c5e380
Original source: https://www.provecho.co/platform/recipe/XY1mlTzyJYkRBg7FehKt
Recipe image: https://res.cloudinary.com/dd27yihoo/image/upload/v1784617023/rzuain45hplctpzyse6z.webp
Yield: 4
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min

Ingredients
- For the Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp ground cayenne
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp ground white pepper
- For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1.5 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Kosher salt
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2.25 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1 lb pasta of choice (i like penne)
- Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
1. For the Cajun Seasoning:
2. In a small bowl combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black and white pepper. Set aside.
3. Prep the chicken:
4. Pat the chicken breast very dry with paper towel. Add the chicken to a bowl along with a small drizzle of oil, generous cajun seasoning and salt. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken and hydrate the spices. Set aside.
5. Cook the chicken:
6. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Set a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot add the avocado oil, followed by the chicken breast. Press firmly into the pan to get full contact and cook for 2 minutes until nicely browned. Flip and cook for about 2 more minutes until the other side is browned. The chicken will not be fully cooked, so remove to a wire rack and place in preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the Internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. For the Make the pasta
8. Set a large pot of water to boil over medium-high heat. In that same pan that you cooked the chicken, remove any burnt bits, turn the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted add the garlic and cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute stirring often until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute stirring often. Add the heavy cream, bring to a simmer and cook over low for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the parmesan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
9. Season your boiling water generously with salt and cook your pasta for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with a small splash of pasta water. Mix well so that the pasta is coated in sauce.
10. Once the chicken is fully cooked remove from the oven and let rest for at least 5 minutes, then slice.
11. Plate the pasta top with the chicken and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!