Go Back

Bayou Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Creole
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For cooking pasta

  • 500 grams spaghetti OR linguine
  • 4 liters water
  • ¼ cup salt

For the sauce

  • 2 tablespoons about 30 grams unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 700 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Essence or your favourite Creole/Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 2 to 3 Thai chilies finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 400 ml whipping cream generous 1 ½ cups
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • 4 stalks green onions chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons celery leaves OR parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large stock pot, add the water and bring to a boil. Add the salt. The ratio is 1 tablespoon salt to 1 liter of water.
  • Place the linguine in the pot and stir until the water returns to a boil. Cook the pasta until tender, but with a bit of resistance (al dente), about 12 minutes.
  • While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the pan.
  • Once the butter has melted, season the chicken with 1 tablespoon of the Essence and add the chicken to the pan.
  • Sear the chicken in batches until well browned on both sides, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the onions and cili padi to the pan and saute until the onions are softened and lightly caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the cream, remaining 1 tablespoon of Essence, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the chicken to the pan and bring to a boil. Cook the sauce until the cream is reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, linguine and the reserved cooking water to the pan and cook, tossing to incorporate for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove pan from the heat and add the green onions, Parmesan and celery leaves and toss to blend.
  • Serve immediately.