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–+ servings
Cajun Chicken Penne

Cajun Chicken Penne

Discover the perfect blend of zesty Cajun flavors and creamy pasta in this easy Cajun Chicken Penne recipe a family favorite for any night.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Start by filling a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  6. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until well coated in the creamy sauce.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu. Consider using zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier twist. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated easily—just add a little chicken broth or cream to prevent dryness. Fresh garlic enhances the flavor significantly, so it's worth the extra effort! You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning and even adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
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