Louisiana Chicken Pasta (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
Inspired by the flavorful dishes from The Cheesecake Factory, this Louisiana Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice if you’re craving a spicy and satisfying meal. With a mix of tender chicken, peppers, onions, and delicious pasta coated in a creamy Cajun sauce, this dish is sure to impress your tastebuds.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the linguini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, sprinkle the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back to the skillet. Stir in the cooked linguini pasta and toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Prepare:
Preparing this Louisiana Chicken Pasta is a breeze. Start by cooking the linguini pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender. Then, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Add the cooked linguini pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Preparation Time:
This Louisiana Chicken Pasta takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Servings:
This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on portion sizes. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your needs.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 587 per serving
Total Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 176mg
Sodium: 725mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 39g
Tips:
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While linguini works great for this recipe, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken on hand, you can absolutely use it in this recipe. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken breasts in the skillet and add the pre-cooked chicken directly to the pasta sauce.
Enjoy the Flavors of The Cheesecake Factory at Home
Elevate your dinner game with this Louisiana Chicken Pasta recipe inspired by The Cheesecake Factory. With its creamy Cajun sauce and tender chicken, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds to the flavors of Louisiana. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this pasta dish is an excellent choice. Try it today!