Cajun Chicken Pasta

So I REALLY wanted pizza tonight, but opted for something we didn't have to buy out instead...trying to be responsible wife :-)
This turned out so good though, I was actually glad I didn't order a pizza!
It was a tiny bit too salty though, so I reduced the amount for this posting so I don't accidentally make with too much again!
This turned out VERY similar to a cajun chicken pasta they used to make at Champs Bar and Grill...but I think theirs had peppers in it???

Cajun Seasoning:
3 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp garlic powder
2 tsp fine ground black pepper
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp thyme
1 tsp dried sweet basil
4 dried bay leaves

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
3 cups heavy cream (I used half and half)
2 Tbsp paprika
6 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp cajun seasoning (see above)

For the Pasta:
3 boneless chicken breasts
2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
4 cups cajun cream sauce
1 lb linguini (or penne)
1/4 cup diced tomotoes (I used canned petite diced)
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Lime Sour Cream Sauce:
1/3 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp lime juice

Directions:
1. To prepare the cajun cream sauce, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring until blended. Continue stirring for 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add milk and cream and whisk until well blended. Return pan to medium heat. Heat mixture, stirring frequently until the mixture just begins to bubble up the sides of the pot. Remove from the heat and add the paprika, 6 Tbsp Parmesan, and 3 Tbsp cajun seasoning. Set aside for at least 15 minutes, as mixture will thicken as it cools.
2. Begin cooking linguini as directed on package.
3. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized slices. Sprinkle with cajun seasoning. In saute pan, cook chicken pieces in a small amount of olive oil, over medium heat until fully cooked through.
4. When linguini is cooked and drained, return to pot over medium heat and add 3-4 cups cajun cream sauce into a large saute pan. Toss with tongs until pasta is evenly coated with cream sauce over medium heat for about 30 seconds.
5. Divide pasta among serving plates. Place sliced chicken over pasta. Sprinkle tomatoes, green onions, and cheese over each portion.
6. If desired, whisk together sour cream and lime juice until thin. Put in small zip loc bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner. Drizzle over pasta.

With Lime Sour Cream Sauce


Without Lime Sour Cream Sauce