Dive into a world of bold flavors with our Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine, all brought together with a tantalizing blend of spices. It’s the perfect meal for those who love a bit of heat and a lot of taste.
In our home, this Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta is the dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion. My husband’s eyes light up every time he smells the aromatic spices filling the kitchen. Even the kids, who are normally picky eaters, can’t resist asking for seconds. It’s become a beloved staple, making regular appearances at our family dinners and earning rave reviews from friends and guests alike.
Why This Spicy Chicken Lazone Pasta
- Bold and Spicy Flavor: A perfect blend of Creole seasoning and paprika gives this dish its signature heat.
- Creamy and Rich Sauce: The heavy cream and butter create a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Despite its spice, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it an ideal meal for any family gathering.
Ingredients:
Seasoning Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon (6g) sea salt
- 2 teaspoons (5g) Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 2 teaspoons (4g) paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon (3g) onion powder
- 2 teaspoons (6g) garlic powder
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons (56g) butter
- Remaining seasoning mixture
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225g) linguine
- 2 tablespoons (8g) chopped parsley
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
Directions:
- Prepare the Seasoning Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, Creole seasoning, paprika powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and flour. Dredge the chicken tenders in the mixture, shaking off any excess. Reserve any leftover spice/flour mix for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Cook the chicken tenders until fully cooked, about 8 minutes (3-4 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the remaining seasoning mixture and cook until the flour is no longer raw. Add more paprika and heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salty water according to the package instructions. Drain, but do not rinse. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. If the sauce needs thinning, slowly add the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until fully coated. Reheat the chicken in the skillet with the pasta. Serve with the sauce spooned over the chicken and pasta, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes:
- Substitutions: Swap chicken tenders for chicken breast or thighs if preferred. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or mushrooms.
- Cooking Tips: Adjust the amount of Creole seasoning to control the spice level. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Nutritional Info: Rich in protein from the chicken and a good source of calcium from the cream. Adjust portion sizes to fit dietary preferences.
