Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breast seasoned with bold Cajun spices, sautéed bell peppers, and a creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with al dente penne pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, this flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of spicy and creamy elements for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Vegetables and Oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a mixing bowl, coat the sliced chicken breast evenly with the Cajun seasoning to ensure bold flavor infusion.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm up for cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken slices to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Sauté Bell Pepper: Add the sliced bell pepper to the pan with the chicken and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce, creating a rich texture.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce and mix with the chicken and peppers.
- Season: Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, garnished if desired, for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance.
- Bell peppers can be swapped with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for variation.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
