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.
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.
Try it with…
Did you make this recipe?
Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.
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This creamy kale and sun-dried tomato pasta is the kind of dish that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. It’s garlicky, savory, a little tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, and rich with cream and parmesan.