This light but flavorful Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is the answer to all your chicken and pasta cravings.
Prep Time10mins
Cook Time30mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cajun chicken pasta, cajun spice, chili's cajun chicken pasta
Servings: 4servings
Calories: 257kcal
Ingredients
4Skinless boneless chicken breastspounded
2large tomatoesdiced
¼Grated Parmesan or other hard cheese
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
3clovesGarlic
¼Half and Half
3tbspOlive Oil
2tbspButter
⅓cupDry white wine
½Cilantro
Fresh ground pepperto taste
Sea saltto taste
Instructions
While you’re prepping your ingredients, boil your pasta water. Remember, add salt to that water: “Salty like the sea, folks!” Cook your pasta al dente and set aside ⅓ cup of pasta water. We want that starchiness!
Between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a plastic bag, pound your boneless, skinless chicken thighs until thin. Get out that aggression of the past three years. Go for it! Season generously with the Lemon Pepper Seasoning.
Mince your garlic and dice your tomatoes, set aside. We’ll get back to those in a bit.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. When your oil shimmers, add your chicken thighs and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Like I always say, trust your chicken! Don’t touch it. Let it do its thing. I promise it will be ok ;) When your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Next, reduce your heat to low. Wait a few minutes, then add another tbsp of olive. Slowly sauté your minced garlic. I’ve said it a million times: for the love of all garlic, don’t burn it! It’s so incredibly easy to burn your garlic. (I know from experience.) So please be patient.
When your garlic is fragrant, add your diced tomatoes and continue to cook on low. After a few minutes, add your butter and let it melt. When your butter is melted, add your Old Bay Seasoning and continue to cook on low.
Next, add your white wine and half and half. Cook on low for 5 minutes until all is incorporated. At this point, if your sauce looks like it needs to be a bit “saucier,” add the pasta water you reserved, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, add your scrumptious chicken thighs back into your cast iron skillet. Baste those puppies in your delicious sauce and serve over your pasta with grated cheese and cilantro. Enjoy!