Introducing Fithawi

Fithawi has been supported by Roundabout for the last couple of years. To prepare for independent living, he has been learning to budget, plan and batch cook with the help of keyworker Clara. He’s honed this cajun chicken pasta recipe to his taste, with the help of a secret ingredient – cajun spice rub. Keep scrolling to find out how to make this quick, simple and tasty meal.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Serves 6
Difficulty: easy
Preparation: 10 mins
Cook: 15-20 mins

Recipe Ingredients

Cajun seasoning (cape verde)
300ml single cream
500g rigatoni pasta
2 packs chicken breasts
4 mixed peppers
1 pack parmesan (or other cheese)
Cornflour
Salt & black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional: 2 packs chestnut mushrooms
Optional: 1 pack spinach

Recipe Method

1) Dice the chicken fillets, mix with corn flour and season with salt, black pepper and cajun spice rub
2) Chop peppers into small chunks, and slice the mushrooms (if using)
3) Put pan on low-medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil
4) When hot, add the peppers and mushrooms, and cook until soft
5) Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in another pan, add the chicken and cook on a low heat until cooked through
6) Boil the kettle and add to a saucepan with a pinch of salt. Add the pasta and set a timer for around 12 minutes
7) Drain the pasta, saving some of the pasta water for later, and return the pasta to the saucepan on a low heat
8) Add the peppers, mushrooms and chicken to the pasta, along with the spinach (if using)
9) Stir to combine, then add the cream, cheese and more black pepper
10) If the sauce is too dry, add some of the pasta water
11) Serve and enjoy!

Fithawi’s cajun chicken pasta recipe tips

The spice rub is important. Fathawi recommends Louisiana Cajun seasoning from Tesco on Abbeydale Road! It’s easy to make this vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for mushrooms, and you can add spinach to make it extra nutritious. You could also swap out the parmesan for regular cheddar as a cheaper option. He hopes you enjoy using his cajun chicken pasta recipe.

Watch the recipe video