Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne is bursting with smoky spice and rich, silky sauce! Perfect for weeknight dinners with tender chicken and vibrant veggies.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell pepper sliced
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with half the Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper to toast spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine. Simmer gently and let thicken for about 5 minutes. Add sliced bell peppers and cook until softened but still crisp, about 3 minutes.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and stir. Add drained penne pasta and toss to coat in creamy sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or evaporated milk.
- Add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.