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Are you looking for a delicious, hearty dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds? Then look no further than Pioneer Woman Cajun chicken pasta. This flavor-packed dish gives you the classic Southern comfort combination of cajun seasonings and creamy chicken in one tasty meal. Whether it’s an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion entrée, this zesty recipe is sure to be a hit at your table. With just the right amount of spice and succulent ingredients like tomatoes and bacon, let Pioneer Woman take your next meal from great to exceptional!
Overview of Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta
This easy-to-make dish is a favorite among families and friends alike. It features an array of delicious flavors, including bacon, tomatoes, and Cajun seasonings. The combination of creamy chicken, savory bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spicy Cajun spices creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing. Plus, this dish is relatively simple to prepare, making it an ideal addition to any weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- ½ cup diced red bell peppers
- 2 cups fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning and cook until chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the diced bacon and cook until crisp. Then add the red bell peppers, tomatoes, and half-and-half. Simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- Add the cooked chicken, butter, and salt and pepper to the sauce. Mix together until combined and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- To serve, spoon the Cajun chicken pasta over cooked penne pasta. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions That Go Well with the Dish
This zesty dish pairs nicely with a light salad or some roasted vegetables. Serve it alongside bread and butter for a complete meal. For an added kick, add some extra Cajun seasoning to the dish or serve it with your favorite hot sauce.
Methods for Refrigerating or Freezing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to two months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until heated through.
A flavorful and easy dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends – Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta! With just the right amount of spice and succulent ingredients like tomatoes, bacon, and cajun seasonings, this hearty meal is sure to please everyone at your table.
Benefits of Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta
This hearty dish is a great way to get your daily protein without breaking the bank. In addition, each serving contains an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, zinc and magnesium. And because it’s so quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is also perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions | Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta
1. Can I make Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the chicken and pasta as directed, then assemble everything together in a baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days before baking. When ready to bake, preheat oven and bake according to instructions. This will give the flavors even more time to meld together!
2. Is Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta healthy?
Yes, this dish is relatively healthy because it features lean chicken breast, vegetables and whole wheat pasta. However, you can make it even healthier with the use of reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the amount of butter used.
3. Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to three months. Just assemble everything in a baking dish as directed, but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and then place in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
4. What can I serve with Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta?
This dish goes great with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus, and a simple salad, like this Mediterranean Salad. It also pairs nicely with some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
5. Where did the recipe for Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta come from?
This delicious dish was created by Ree Drummond, better known as The Pioneer Woman. Her recipes are inspired by classic comfort food dishes from her childhood and her current home on an Oklahoma ranch.
6. Can I make Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta without cream cheese?
Yes, you can definitely omit the cream cheese from this recipe. Simply substitute an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream for the cream cheese and you’ll still get all the rich flavor of the dish.
7. Does Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta have a lot of spice?
No, this dish is not overly spicy. The cajun seasoning adds just enough kick to give the dish some heat, but it won’t be too much for those who don’t like their food too spicy. You can always add more if you want a spicier version!
Pioneer Woman Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Pot for boiling the pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 slices bacon diced
- ½ cup diced red bell peppers
- 2 cups fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning and cook until chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the diced bacon and cook until crisp. Then add the red bell peppers, tomatoes, and half-and-half. Simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- Add the cooked chicken, butter, and salt and pepper to the sauce. Mix together until combined and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- To serve, spoon the Cajun chicken pasta over cooked penne pasta. Enjoy!
Notes
Conclusion
After reading this article, you can now confidently make Pioneer Woman’s Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish packed with bold flavors which you can easily make at home. As an added bonus, it doesn’t take a long time or require much skill to cook – so even novice chefs will find no problem in making it. This meal is also a great way to tantalize our taste buds while spending quality time with friends and family.
Whether it’s lunch, dinner or a potluck party, this flavorful recipe won’t disappoint anyone who tries it. So grab the ingredients and try out The Pioneer Woman’s Cajun Chicken Pasta today! You won’t regret it.
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