Description
This bold and comforting pasta dish features smoky Cajun-spiced chicken, crisp chickpeas, and a dreamy whipped feta blended with roasted garlic. It’s a textural masterpiece with creamy, spicy, crunchy, and savory layers—all coming together in under 45 minutes. A weeknight dinner with restaurant-level flavor that’s also easy to customize and prep ahead.
Ingredients
400g spaghetti
2 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
200g feta cheese, room temperature
1 head garlic
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
3. In a food processor, blend the roasted garlic cloves, feta cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
4. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes until cooked through and golden.
5. Pat the chickpeas dry thoroughly. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet and fry the chickpeas for 10–12 minutes, stirring until crispy. Season with salt and paprika.
6. Toss cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Plate the pasta, top with Cajun chicken and crispy chickpeas. Add dollops of whipped feta and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the blend of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures.
Notes
Roasting the garlic ahead saves time and gives a sweeter, more mellow flavor to the whipped feta.
Drying chickpeas completely is essential for getting that crispy texture—don’t skip it.
Leftover whipped feta makes an excellent spread for sandwiches or as a dip for veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, whipped feta, roasted garlic, crispy chickpeas