Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender seasoned chicken breasts with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a luscious creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz penne pasta
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you cook the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts evenly with the Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together carefully so that the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with any other pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli if desired.
- To make this dish spicier, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding chopped parsley or green onions on top can add freshness and color.
