If you have a craving for bold flavors paired with creamy indulgence, this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute star that will steal your heart. Imagine tender, crispy chicken coated in a flavorful Cajun crust resting atop perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, spicy parmesan cream sauce. Every bite bursts with just the right amount of heat balanced by rich, comforting textures that make this dish a celebration of Southern-inspired cuisine right at your dinner table. It’s an irresistible fusion of spice, creaminess, and freshness that you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are. Each one brings a vital note to the symphony of flavors, from the crispy, seasoned chicken to the vibrant vegetables and the creamy, spicy sauce that ties it all together.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Tender white meat that crisps beautifully when breaded and fried.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor without overpowering the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Brings the signature Louisiana heat and spice to the chicken.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps the breading adhere perfectly for a crunchy coating.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as a binding agent for the breading.
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates the crisp, golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breading and sauce.
- 1/4 cup oil for frying: Ensures perfectly fried chicken pieces with a delicate crunch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables for a rich, buttery flavor.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Injects an aromatic base to the vegetable medley.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Adds an earthy depth and satisfying texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a sweet contrast.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped: Offers a bright hue and subtle sweetness.
- 1/4 cup onion, diced: Lends a mild, savory sharpness that melds with the veggies.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to perfect seasoning on the vegetables and sauce.
- 10 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked and drained: The ideal pasta shape that holds sauce and toppings beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Forms the base of the creamy Cajun roux sauce.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce for a velvety texture.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the rich, luxurious body of the sauce.
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese: Incorporated into the sauce for cheesy, savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable Louisiana heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cayenne pepper, optional (to taste): Brings an extra spicy punch if you dare to turn up the heat.
How to Make Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with thinly sliced chicken breasts that you season evenly with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. This base layer of seasoning is what gives the chicken its authentic Louisiana flavor before the magic of breading begins.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each seasoned piece of chicken in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs to create a sticky layer that helps the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese coating cling perfectly. This triple-layer breading guarantees a golden, crunchy crust that locks in juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and fry those coated chicken slices until they reach a magnificent golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Once cooked through and crispy, set the chicken aside to keep warm while you build the rest of the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables and Pasta
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and diced onion. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften and release their beautiful aroma. Season with salt and pepper for that perfect savory blend. Next, toss in your cooked bowtie pasta, combining everything well before setting aside.
Step 5: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking constantly. Once the sauce thickens, stir in parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to enrich the flavor. Add cayenne pepper if you like a bolder kick. Let the sauce simmer until luxuriously creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Add the sautéed vegetables and pasta directly into the simmering Cajun cream sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece with that spicy, cheesy goodness. Finally, nestle your crispy chicken atop this creamy bed of flavors and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh burst and extra appeal, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A dusting of additional parmesan cheese also elevates the cheese factor and adds a lovely texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This hearty Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, roasted asparagus, or even simple garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy Cajun sauce. Light, fresh sides provide a perfect counterbalance to the rich main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase the crispy chicken atop tender pasta swirls bathed in sauce. For gatherings, a large rustic platter garnished with fresh herbs creates a welcoming centerpiece everyone will dive into happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and pasta together prevents the dish from drying out, while the chicken maintains its flavor though it won’t be quite as crispy.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, it’s best to store the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken. Freeze each in airtight containers for up to 2 months. The creamy sauce and pasta reheat nicely, but the chicken is better fried fresh to keep its crisp texture.
Reheating
Reheat pasta and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For chicken, re-crisp it in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes to restore texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce and toppings, penne, fusilli, or fettuccine are also excellent choices that work beautifully with this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is moderate out of the gate thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this recipe works well for meal prepping. Just keep the chicken separate till the moment you serve for best texture, and reheat pasta with sauce gently to maintain creaminess.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions, and use gluten-free pasta. The Cajun seasoning and other ingredients are typically gluten-free but always check labels to be sure.
What wine pairs best with Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce while balancing the Cajun spices wonderfully for a fantastic dining experience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe enough if you’re looking to impress your family or friends with something both comforting and exciting. The blend of crispy, spicy chicken with the creamy, dreamy pasta sauce is pure magic on a plate, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try soon and watch how everyone swoons over every delicious bite!
Print
Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Louisiana, Cajun
Description
A flavorful and creamy Louisiana Chicken Pasta featuring crispy Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts, sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms, all tossed in a rich Cajun cream sauce over tender bowtie pasta. This dish combines a crispy fried protein with a smooth, spicy sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup oil for frying
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked and drained
Cajun Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cayenne pepper, optional (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to infuse them with bold flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge the seasoned chicken pieces first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese for a crisp exterior.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken slices until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, chopped red and yellow bell peppers, and diced onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Season Vegetables: Add salt and pepper to taste to the sautéed vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Stir the cooked and drained bowtie pasta into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, tossing gently to combine. Set aside.
- Make Cajun Cream Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux.
- Add Cream and Broth: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Flavor the Sauce: Stir in parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add cayenne pepper according to taste for an extra kick.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth, creamy, and flavorful.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables to the Cajun cream sauce. Stir carefully to ensure everything is coated evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta mixture and top with the crispy fried chicken slices. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne or fettuccine if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but sauce may be less rich.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun and cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the chicken is thinly sliced for even frying and quicker cooking.
