Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne
This Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne is bursting with bold flavors and creamy texture, perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner with a zesty kick.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt to taste
- pepper 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, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the diced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and gently mix everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately with your favorite side or a simple green salad.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the spice level to your preference.