Creamy Cajun Pasta (ready in 30 minutes)

30 mins    Dinner This new and delicious take on pasta is a great way to add something different to your week's menu! The creamy, silky sauce is infused with the bold heat and deep flavour of Cajun seasoning, balanced by the richness of garlic, earthy mushrooms, and the freshness of parsley. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of character. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and easy, yet impressive weeknight dinner! Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4 Contains: Dairy, Gluten, Meat Free from: Seafood

Creamy Cajun Pasta with Mushrooms, Spinach and Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup onions, chopped

• 1 chicken breast, cubed

• 3 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought works too. Use less to reduce heat.)

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons vinegar

• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped

• 1 cup packed spinach, chopped

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1 cube chicken bouillon

• 400g pasta of choice, boiled according to package instructions until al dente, save 1/3 cup pasta water for the sauce.

• 3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for garnish

Method

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat.

2. Add onions, chicken, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked (about 10 minutes), stirring frequently. Remove from the pan onto a plate.

3. Deglaze the pan by adding vinager and scraping the pan until all the vinager has evaporated.

4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sauté garlic and mushrooms until browned (around 3 minutes).

5. Pour in the milk, 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (less for less heat), 1/3 cup pasta water, cream cheese, 1 teaspoon salt and chicken bouillon cube. Stir until the cream cheese and bouillon cube have combined with the milk. Lower heat and Simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.

6. Stir in the cooked pasta, chicken, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.

7. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

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