2020-05-25

 

My husband took two recipes he had and combined them to replicate one of my favorite meals from Chili’s, Cajun Chicken Pasta! This has become one my family’s all time favorite recipes!

 

INGREDIENTS

CHICKEN

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

avocado oil

Make large batch of the seasoning using spices below. Use leftover seasoning for next time.

1 part each

cayenne pepper

garlic powder

ground cumin

dried oregano

dried thyme

2 parts each

kosher salt

smoked paprika

PASTA

8 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons salted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream, or more, to taste

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 roma tomatoes, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

 

DIRECTIONS

CHICKEN
Trim chicken breast thin or pound/cover chicken breasts with a sheet of Saran Wrap and flatten with a tenderizer kitchen tool. Season both sides of chicken breasts with your seasoning mix. Heat pan to medium high. Add avocado oil to pan. Add chicken once pan is hot. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until fully cooked or internal temperature is 165.
 

PASTA
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions, drain well. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more heavy cream as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in pasta and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately with chicken, garnished with tomatoes and parsley, if desired.