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Cheesecake Factory Cajun Pasta Recipe
Ariana Lumi

Cheesecake Factory Cajun Pasta Recipe

Recreate the famous Cheesecake Factory Cajun Pasta Recipe at home! Creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor, this quick 30-minute recipe is sure to impress everyone.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 471
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1½ lbs chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 bell peppers
  • ½ yellow onion diced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salt water to boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it is firm but tender. Drain the water and set the pasta aside.
  2. Get the chicken ready: Place the chicken pieces in a large, zippered bag. Add the Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Close the bag tightly and shake it to mix everything and coat the chicken evenly. Heat a big skillet on medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Turn the heat down a little and toss in the bell peppers and onion. Stir to mix them with the melted butter. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers and onions start to soften.
  4. Make the Cajun Sauce: Add the extra Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir for about 30 seconds to bring out the flavors of the spices. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a little.
  5. Bring It All Together: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it melts. Then, return the cooked chicken (along with any juices from the plate) to the skillet. Finally, add the cooked pasta and stir everything together so it’s all coated in the rich Cajun sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a little fresh or dried parsley for a burst of color.

Video

Notes

  1. Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor of your dish with its rich, sharp taste.
  2. Cook chicken in batches to ensure it gets a perfect sear and stays juicy.
  3. A well-salted pot of water is key to making your pasta flavorful from the start.
  4. Want more spice? Add more Cajun seasoning to dial up the heat.
  5. For a seafood twist, replace the chicken with shrimp for a lighter, flavorful alternative.
  6. Fire-roasted tomatoes add an extra layer of depth to your sauce with a smoky flavor.
  7. For a more elegant presentation and a different texture, opt for long noodles like linguine.
  8. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free substitute for heavy cream, providing a creamy texture with a hint of sweetness.
  9. Always taste and adjust your seasonings – it’s the key to perfecting the dish.
  10. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color, a touch of freshness, and that final professional flourish.