Cajun spiced chicken mince Skillet pasta

My youngest is somewhat of a fussy eater and planning family meal planning can sometimes turn into a war zone (e.g. no I don’t like pasta anymore, no I don’t like meat it’s not healthy…etc etc). However as a parent I am always trying to ‘reinvent the wheel’ of healthy food options my children will go for.

I like chicken mince. It’s cheap, quicker to cook and healthier than a few other meats…did I mention it cooks quick?!

Most Asians love a good slice of spicy action and cajun spices are up there with blends I keep around to make everything taste delicious.

This recipe makes 4 large children’s portion plus 1 adult portion. I just thought I’d point that out.

Feel free to double the sauce recipe and freeze half for a busier night.

Ingredients:
300 grams chicken mince
2 tbsp rapeseed oil
4 tbsp fried onions
1 tbsp salt (more/less depending on dietary requirements)
1 tbsp garlic granules
1 tbsp dried mexican oregano (or ‘standard’ dried oregano)
1 & 1/2 heap tbsp cajun spice mix (Recipe blend here)
3 tbsp single cream
200 ml passata
300 ml water
OPTIONAL: 1 bell pepper or 1 turkish chili (for a bit of heat) sliced thinly
250 grams cooked pasta (I used rigatoni as the shape allows the sauce to cling effectively. Yes, I am a geek).
50 grams cheddar cheese grated (for spice lovers you can get a few varied of hard cheeses infused with chilies. Those would be awesome with the recipe too).

1) Heat the oil in a large skillet pan on a medium heat.
2) Add the onion and pepper (if using) and fry for 1 minute. Add the chicken mince. Fry for one minute stirring regularly to stop the chicken sticking to the pan.
3) Add the salt, garlic granules, cajun spice and fry for 1-2 minutes to cook the garlic granules out. If you find the chicken is sticking too much add a tbsp of water (or chicken stock).
4) Add the passata and cream-stir well.
5) Add the water and stir. Turn the heat off.
6) Add the pasta and stir. Sprinkle over the cheese and place in the oven at 170 for 5 minutes until the cheese melts. SERVE.
Alternatively if you do not have an oven mix the pasta in and keep on a low heat and stir for 1-2 minutes to heat the pasta through. Sprinkle on cheese and serve.

Leftovers make a great midnight snack (or lunch the day after).

NOTES:
Cajun spice blends can be found online cheaper than at Supermarkets (those glass spice bottles are expensive!).
Dried Mexican oregano can be purchased online (even on Ebay). It’s great in Tex-Mex recipes and well on everything (including Pizza but please don’t tell the Italians).