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–+ servings
Cinnamon Apple Delight

Cinnamon Apple Delight

Creamy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Butter Shells. Spicy, creamy sauce meets tender chicken & pasta. Ultimate comforting dinner recipe ready in 35 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 orange bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • q.s. Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb medium shell pasta
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven preferably 12-inch
  • Second large skillet or reuse the Dutch oven after cleaning
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Start by boiling salted water in a large pot and cook the shell pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté sliced bell peppers and onion for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the seasoned chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, scrape the browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add the sautéed bell peppers and onions back into the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through.
  8. In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and toss in the shell pasta. Mix in fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
  9. Serve the garlic butter shells on plates and top with creamy Cajun chicken mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For variations, try substituting chicken with shrimp or making it vegetarian with hearty vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
Store leftovers separately to prevent the pasta from getting soggy, and they will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet for best results, and refresh the garlic butter shells with a bit of butter if needed.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give your sauce a smoother texture compared to pre-grated cheese, which can be grainy.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!