Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: To give the chicken a spicy, flavorful kick.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the chicken and building the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and adds a savory, cheesy flavor.
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta: Cooked al dente.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
- Optional garnish: Chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan for serving.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add the pasta: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the chicken and sauce, making sure everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Pasta pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Tongs or spatula: To handle the chicken and toss the pasta in the sauce.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Pre-cook the chicken: If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat it when ready to add to the sauce.
- Control the spice level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to make the dish more or less spicy depending on your preference.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it into the sauce instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Try shrimp: Swap out the chicken for shrimp if you want to try a seafood variation of this dish. Simply sauté the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until pink and set them aside while making the sauce.
- Use different pasta: While fettuccine works well, you can also use penne, spaghetti, or linguine if you prefer. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great alternatives.
- Add vegetables: For extra texture and nutrition, toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta and warm it over low heat in a skillet or microwave. This will help keep the sauce creamy rather than drying out.
Food Pairings
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a serving of garlic bread for some extra indulgence. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold glass of lemonade works beautifully to balance out the rich, spicy flavors.