Description
Indulge in this creamy and spicy Cajun chicken penne pasta, combining rich flavors and textures for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
- Sear the chicken: Season your chicken breast generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat a tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne directly into the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed. Gently fold in the sliced chicken.
- Serve: Dish out your creamy Cajun chicken penne pasta hot, garnishing with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or cauliflower. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe