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Pecan Sandies Delight

Pecan Sandies Delight

Spicy Cajun chicken bites meet creamy garlic parmesan pasta in this 30-minute comfort food. Your new favorite dinner recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Discover Pecan Sandies Delight and more.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for extra spice
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet (preferably 12-inch)
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater (if grating your own Parmesan)

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the fettuccine until just tender or al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Add Velveeta cubes, Parmesan, and mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently to combine. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred. Any long pasta shape works, such as rigatoni or penne. Ensure to use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. For added spice, use a hotter Cajun seasoning and/or red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or cream. Avoid freezing due to the creamy sauce.
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