Cajun Chicken Pasta
A comforting and vibrant family dish featuring penne pasta, seasoned chicken, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 piece bell pepper, sliced
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
- as needed Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Notes
You can swap shrimp for chicken or add spinach/kale for more nutrients. Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Adjust spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning.