Print

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta
Print Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken and penne pasta in a luscious, spicy cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe balances smoky, spicy, and creamy elements to create an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Protein

  • 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings & Spices

  • 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Season and Sauté the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return the cooked penne and sautéed chicken to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine and coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching desired consistency.
  6. Serve Warm: Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve immediately. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture helps hold the sauce.
  • Sear the chicken well to lock in juices and add depth of flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and make it silkier.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal texture and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick dinner, penne pasta recipe, weeknight meal

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