Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten (for the egg wash)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Oil for frying
For the Pasta and Veggies:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with flour mixed with Cajun seasoning, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, dip in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onion for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove veggies and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
-
Combine & Serve:
- Stir in cooked pasta and sautéed veggies into the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Slice the fried chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with additional Cajun seasoning and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add tofu or more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or squash.
- More Heat: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Add Shrimp: For a seafood twist, swap chicken for shrimp.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
