Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes

Spice up your pasta night with this flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta. The combination of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a dish that's both comforting and zesty.

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Crispy Bacon and Leek Risotto is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. The crispy bacon crumbles add a smoky depth, while the sautéed leeks contribute a gentle sweetness. Parmesan cheese brings a rich and salty undertone, and the lemon zest brightens the dish with a burst of citrus. Together, these ingredients create a risotto that's comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 400

1 cup Arborio rice

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
1 cup dry white wine
6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1 leek, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps

Step 1

Cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and set aside. Slice the leek, mince the garlic, and zest the lemon.

Step 2

In a large, deep skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add Arborio rice to the pan with the leeks and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

Step 4

Pour in the dry white wine, stirring continuously, until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice.

Step 5

Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next.

Step 6

Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to al dente, which should take about 18-20 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the crumbled crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the risotto.

Step 8

Grate the zest of one lemon into the risotto. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9

Once the risotto has reached the desired creamy consistency, remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Make it your own!

For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter at the end.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino or Asiago, for a unique twist.
Incorporate a handful of baby spinach or arugula for added freshness and color.