Louisiana Chicken Pasta

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

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station:
   • In one bowl, mix the flour with Cajun seasoning.
   • In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
   • In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg wash, and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

5. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies:

6. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onion for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

7. In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.
8. Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional).

Combine & Serve:

9. Stir the cooked pasta and sautéed veggies into the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
10. 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.

Enjoy your flavorful Cajun chicken pasta!