Comforting and delicious, our Kefir Cajun Chicken Pasta reminds us that there’s nothing like a warming pasta dish in the winter. To make this recipe, we marinate chicken in a collection of sauces, spices, and creamy Lifeway Kefir. Lifeway Kefir makes a great marinade because of its lactic acid and probiotic cultures. They work to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it soft, tender, and easier to digest. After marinating, we mix the chicken with vegetables and penne pasta, then top it with Lifeway Farmer Cheese and fresh parsley. Rich with flavor and ideal in texture, Our Kefir Cajun Chicken Pasta is a wholesome, hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole-fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest probiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 2 hours Servings: 8-10Ingredients
- For Marinade:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp Plain Lowfat Kefir
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1/8 tsp dried oregano
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- Pepper to taste
- For everything else:
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
- 12 oz gluten free penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Farmer Cheese
Directions
- Cut chicken breasts in half. Salt and pepper both sides and put in a vacuum sealed bag, but don't seal it yet.
- Mix together all ingredients for the marinade and pour over the chicken breasts in the bag. Seal it and put in Sous Vide at 145 degrees for 2 hours.
- Once chicken has been cooked for 2 hours, start on cooking the pasta according to package.
- In the meantime, in a Cast Iron skillet, melt down butter and olive oil. Add onion and cook until translucent.
- Add in chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, salt/pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook until bell peppers are cooked down, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the vegetables, set aside. Turn the heat to high on the cast iron and remove the chicken from the sous vide and vacuum bags, don't dump out the marinade. Add the chicken breasts in the cast iron and seer on each side, about 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Once the breasts are browned on each side, pour in the marinade and coat chicken on either side. Once completely coated and the marinade has soaked up, remove the chicken and cut to desired cubes or strips.
- Add vegetables back in. Add in parmesan, heavy cream, cream cheese and chicken broth. Cook for 8 minutes, or until sauce thickens and cream cheese has fully melted. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Add in the cooked pasta, and chicken.
- Top with farmer cheese chunks and throw in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until farmer cheese has warmed up.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
