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Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta
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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender, spice-seasoned chicken with al dente penne pasta in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe delivers bold Cajun flavors with a smooth, comforting texture and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Seasonings

  • 2 chicken breasts, lean and tender
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning mix (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and other spices)

Pasta and Dairy

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Season and Cook the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Penne Pasta: Meanwhile, boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, add additional olive oil if necessary. Add diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, developing a flavorful base.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine with vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
  5. Combine Everything: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return to the skillet along with cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your preferred sauce thickness.

Notes

  • Season chicken early to allow flavors to deepen, resting for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
  • Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds the sauce well and avoids mushiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer taste compared to pre-grated varieties.
  • Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to maintain their brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner, Cajun seasoning, penne pasta, creamy sauce, one-pan meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-penne-pasta/