RV Cooking Adventures: Speedy & Healthy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Hey fellow food adventurers! Let's face it, cooking in an RV can sometimes feel like a challenge. Tiny kitchens, limited equipment – but who says we can't whip up amazing, healthy meals on the road? I'm here to share my go-to recipe that's not only delicious but also perfect for those on-the-go lifestyles: Cajun Chicken Pasta! This recipe is a game-changer, and it's all about speed and simplicity, without compromising on nutrition or taste. With the help of the Menuistia app, planning and creating meals like this is easier than ever!
Why This Recipe is Perfect for RV Life
- Minimalist Approach: This recipe uses minimal equipment, making it ideal for small RV kitchens.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you'll have a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy travel days!
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this dish proves that healthy doesn't have to be boring.
What You'll Need:
Equipment
- Stovetop for boiling water
- Deep pot and colander
- Grill or tabletop smoker
- Mixing bowl
- Knife for chopping
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz box of your favorite pasta (I love Rotini or Linguine)
- 3 vibrant green onions
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (pre-chopped is a timesaver!)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil and black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (or more!) Cajun seasoning
- Chicken broth (or bouillon cubes for easy RV storage)
Let's Get Cooking:
Step 1: Spice Up That Chicken
- Fire up your grill or smoker. I love using a tabletop pellet grill at 375°F. It gives the chicken a fantastic smoky flavor!
- Season those chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. A resealable bag works wonders for even coating!
- Grill or smoke your chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F or 75°C). This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Let the chicken rest briefly and then slice it up ready to go.
Step 2: Sauce and Pasta Prep
- Get a pot of salted water boiling for the pasta.
- While the water's heating, slice the green onions, chop those sun-dried tomatoes, and measure out your spices into a bowl.
- Add the chicken broth (or prepared bouillon) to this bowl.
- Once the water is boiling, cook your pasta until it is slightly underdone (we’ll finish it in the sauce).
- Drain and rinse the pasta and set aside
- In the now empty pot, combine all the sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of tapioca flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a thickening slurry. Add to the sauce, this will thicken things up a little.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add the drained pasta to the pot with the simmering sauce, allowing it to cook until it's perfectly done.
- Plate up your delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta, top with the sliced chicken and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if you like. (Though, it's fabulous just as it is!).
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a complete meal on its own. But if you fancy some sides, think grilled garlic bread, a light Caesar salad, or some roasted vegetables. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine! It goes great with a medium-bodied red or crisp white wine.
Looking for dessert that doesn’t require an oven? Check out Kimberly’s No Bake Avalanche Cookies – perfect for camping!
Menuistia App Tips:
Use the Menuistia app to help you keep track of the nutritional information for this or other healthy recipes. You can easily plan your meals, create custom recipes, and ensure your diet remains balanced, even on the road.
Substitutions & Adaptations
- Pasta: Use any kind you like. For extra nutrients and lower carbs, try plant-based pasta.
- Sauce: For a richer creamy sauce, use heavy cream instead of broth, skip the thickener and add salt at the end if needed.
- Protein: Pork tenderloin also works beautifully if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is proof that you can have delicious, healthy meals, even in the smallest of kitchens. It’s about smart cooking, planning, and a little creativity. So next time you're on the road, try this recipe! Also, don’t forget to use the Menuistia app to enhance your menu planning and recipe creation experience. Happy cooking!