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Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne

  • Author: skinytaste-net
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Paleo

Description

A quick and comforting dinner featuring spicy chicken and a creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with penne pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips evenly with the Cajun spice, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer; cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté 20–30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir for 1–2 minutes to start thickening.
  6. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and glossy. If it thickens too much, thin with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne. Toss until everything is evenly coated and warmed through, 1–2 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For milder heat, reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon and add smoked paprika.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, quick meals, comfort food

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