Description
A cozy and flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, garlic-butter cream sauce, and Parmesan, tossed with tender penne for a satisfying and quick comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bites
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz penne pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Toss chicken with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Pour in cream, stir in Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta and chicken into the sauce, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water. Let simmer 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Try other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fettuccine.
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Double the Cajun seasoning for a spicier dish or reduce for a milder flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
