Description
This Spicy Chicken Pasta with Vegetables recipe combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce packed with fresh vegetables. Perfectly cooked farfalle pasta is tossed in a spicy cream sauce, enriched with Parmesan cheese and a kick of jalapeno and crushed red pepper. This dish is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings
- 8 oz. Chicken Breast
- 2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp. Avocado oil
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper plus more for serving
- Salt & freshly cracked Black Pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced Orange Bell Pepper
- 2/3 cup thinly sliced Zucchini
- 2 tbsp. minced Jalapeno
- 1/3 cup diced Tomato
- 1/3 cup chopped Green Onion, divided
Other Ingredients
- 6 oz. dry Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta
- 2 tsp. Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Half and Half or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breast evenly with 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning, about ½ tsp. per side. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tsp. avocado oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until it develops a crusty browned exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced zucchini, diced orange bell pepper, and minced jalapeno. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping up any browned bits from the pan into the vegetables until softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Onions: Add the diced tomato, 1/3 cup chopped green onion, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally while you start boiling the farfalle pasta in salted water.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the farfalle pasta until al dente, about 11 minutes, one minute less than package directions. The pasta will finish cooking around the same time as the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper: Stir minced garlic and ½ tsp. crushed red pepper into the vegetable mixture. Cook for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup half and half, bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat in the creamy spicy sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until combined. Add reserved pasta water, one or two tablespoons at a time, to achieve desired creaminess.
- Serve: Divide pasta between warm bowls. Top with extra crushed red pepper, chopped green onions, and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level; the dish is still delicious without much heat.
- For added flavor, serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad.
- Use half and half for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for richer texture.
- Reserve pasta cooking water to help loosen and enhance the sauce’s creaminess as needed.