Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta
A creamy and smoky pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich Cajun cream sauce over al dente penne, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream (about 16 fl oz)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Serving
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the sliced chicken seasoned with Cajun spices until browned and cooked through.
Adding Garlic and Building the Sauce
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant before pouring in heavy cream.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combining and Finishing
- Toss in the cooked penne pasta and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but expect a thinner sauce. The dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta.