Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta for Quick Dinner Bliss

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a quick and customizable dish full of rich flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta or farfalle, fusilli, or whole wheat pasta
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast can use chicken thighs for juicier bite
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning adjust for spice level, add cayenne for extra heat
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil can substitute with butter
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream or half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter version
  • 1 clove Garlic minced, fresh is best
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for vegan
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
For Garnish
  • Chopped Parsley optional: green onions or basil

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of sliced chicken breast with 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Create Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté 1 clove of minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream for added creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!