Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy sauce. The penne pasta soaks up the sauce, making every bite packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you’re craving something indulgent and bold. The balance of heat from the Cajun seasoning and creaminess from the sauce makes it irresistible!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken: chicken breast (boneless, skinless)Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)olive oilsaltpepper

For the sauce: heavy creamunsalted buttergarlic (minced)chicken brothparmesan cheese (grated)oregano (dried)paprikasaltpepper

For the pasta: penne pastasalt (for boiling water)

directions

this Recipe

For the chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

For the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

For the sauce:

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until smooth and creamy.

Combine everything:

Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the pasta and stir gently to combine everything. Allow it to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.

To serve:

Serve the creamy Cajun chicken penne pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20-25 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Use shrimp or sausage in place of the chicken for a different protein.

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.

storage/reheating

Store leftover creamy Cajun chicken penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like, but penne works best for holding onto the creamy sauce. You can also try rigatoni or fettuccine.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them with the pasta when ready to serve.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add more Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you have leftover chicken, you can add it to the sauce and pasta at the end to heat through.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a rich, comforting dish full of bold flavors that will quickly become a favorite. With its perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is indulgent yet simple to make. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, it’s sure to impress with its irresistible combination of spice and creaminess.

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