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TGI Friday’s Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home, TGI Friday’s Cajun Chicken Pasta is your new best friend!

The spice blend on the chicken makes all the difference, so I always coat the chicken heavily for maximum impact.

Cooking the chicken first adds flavor to the pan, which will build up beautifully when you make the sauce.

The cream-based sauce is smooth and coats every piece of pasta without feeling too heavy.

Make sure to cook the pasta slightly underdone and let it finish in the sauce. This step helps the flavors combine fully!

How to Make TGI Friday’s Cajun Chicken Pasta

tgi friday's cajun chicken pasta recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Chicken Breast (boneless)
  • 2 oz Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Onion (large chunks)
  • 1/2 cup Green Peppers (diced)
  • 1/2 cup Red Peppers (diced)
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan-Romano Cheese
  • 1 lb Fettuccine Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain it and set it aside for later.

Step 2:

In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3:

Add onions, green peppers, and red peppers to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 4:

Add the chicken strips to the pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked through.

Step 5:

Pour in the cayenne pepper, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 6:

Sprinkle in the Parmesan-Romano cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the sauce.

Step 7:

Add the fettuccine into the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

tgi friday's cajun chicken pasta on a plate

Perfect Pasta Texture

Ensure you cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.

Flavor Enhancement

Feel free to add extra cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat in your dish.

Cheese Options

You can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère for a richer taste that blends smoothly with the sauce.

Sauce Consistency

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. For a runnier sauce, just add a splash more chicken stock or cream.

Leftover Magic

This dish reheats well. Add a little extra cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

What to Serve with TGI Friday’s Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garlic Breadsticks

You can’t go wrong with garlic breadsticks next to a spicy pasta dish like this one.

The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy Cajun sauce and provides a satisfying crunch.

It’s a classic choice that complements the pasta without overwhelming it.

Side Salad

A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the Cajun flavors.

The crunch and freshness of the salad help balance the meal.

Feel free to get creative with the salad toppings like sliced almonds or shredded carrots.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Try roasted Brussels sprouts for something a bit different.

The earthy taste of Brussels sprouts, when roasted to crispy perfection, is surprisingly good with the spicy Cajun pasta.

You can add a hint of balsamic glaze for additional flavor.

Sweet Potato Fries

For a unique twist, serve sweet potato fries alongside your pasta.

The natural sweetness of the fries can contrast nicely with the spicy and creamy pasta.

This has always been one of my favorite unconventional pairings.

Cornbread

Cornbread is another fantastic option if you’re looking to add a touch of Southern flair to your meal.

It’s slightly sweet and has a pleasant crumbly texture that matches well with the richness of the dish.

Making it from scratch is easier than you’d think and totally worth it.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Choices

Are you out of chicken?

Try using shrimp or even tofu instead!

Both options work wonderfully and give an exciting twist to the dish.

Spicy Level Adjustments

You can adjust the spice level by changing the amount of cayenne pepper.

If you prefer a milder taste, simply decrease the amount.

If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add more.

Pasta Options

Don’t have fettuccine on hand?

No worries, you can substitute with any pasta you love!

Think linguine or penne for a fresh take on this classic recipe.

Dairy-Free Alternatives

You can replace the traditional Parmesan with a dairy-free version.

Almond or cashew cream can be an excellent substitute for Alfredo sauce.

This keeps the dish creamy while catering to dietary preferences.

Vegetable Additions

Boost the nutritional content by adding veggies like broccoli or spinach.

They complement the flavors beautifully and add a pop of color.

You’ll love the added health benefits too!

How to Store Leftover TGI Friday’s Cajun Chicken Pasta

Storing your leftover TGI Friday’s Cajun Chicken Pasta properly will keep it fresh and tasty for another meal!

After the pasta cools completely, transfer it to an airtight container to preserve its flavor in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Use of Airtight Containers

Choose airtight containers to store your pasta, as they prevent air from altering the taste and texture over time.

If you prefer, use zip-lock bags to take up less space in your refrigerator.

Freezing Leftover Pasta

If you anticipate not eating the leftovers soon, consider freezing them.

Divide the pasta into smaller portions before freezing to make it easier to reheat later.

Be sure to label and date your containers, so you know when you froze them.

Preventing Pasta from Sticking

Once you have made your portions, you might want to add a few drops of olive oil to the pasta.

This will help prevent it from sticking together in the refrigerator or freezer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta

You might be tempted to cook your fettuccine until it’s very soft, but this can lead to mushy results.

Aim for an al dente texture, as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce’s flavors after mixing.

Remember to rinse the pasta briefly to prevent it from sticking together later.

Using Too Much Cayenne Pepper

It’s easy to overdo the cayenne pepper in this recipe, and this can overpower the dish’s other flavors.

Start with a small amount and gradually adjust to your taste.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in the dish!

Not Letting the Sauce Thicken Properly

Some people rush the sauce-making process because they’re eager to eat.

Giving the sauce enough time to bubble gently allows it to thicken beautifully.

If you notice the sauce getting too thick, just add a little water to reach the desired consistency.

tgi friday's cajun chicken pasta recipe

TGI Friday's Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home, TGI Friday’s Cajun Chicken Pasta is your new best friend!
The spice blend on the chicken makes all the difference, so I always coat the chicken heavily for maximum impact.
Cooking the chicken first adds flavor to the pan, which will build up beautifully when you make the sauce.
The cream-based sauce is smooth and coats every piece of pasta without feeling too heavy.
Make sure to cook the pasta slightly underdone and let it finish in the sauce. This step helps the flavors combine fully!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4
Ingredients
  
  • 1 Chicken Breast boneless
  • 2 oz Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic chopped
  • 1/2 cup Onion large chunks
  • 1/2 cup Green Peppers diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Peppers diced
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan-Romano Cheese
  • 1 lb Fettuccine Pasta
Instructions
 
  • Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain it and set it aside for later.
  • In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add onions, green peppers, and red peppers to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add the chicken strips to the pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked through.
  • Pour in the cayenne pepper, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  • Sprinkle in the Parmesan-Romano cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the sauce.
  • Add the fettuccine into the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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