Description
Experience the bold and comforting flavors of Louisiana in this restaurant-quality dish. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features succulent, spiced chicken breast sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and garlic, tossed in a velvety sauce of heavy cream, cream cheese, and fresh Parmesan. Perfectly piquant and deeply satisfying, it is the ideal 30-minute weeknight meal that brings a professional flair to your family dinner table.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup white onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
4 large cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces evenly with half of the Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, diced onion, and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
Stir in the garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking until fragrant.
Reduce heat to medium-low, add heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and melted.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing until thoroughly coated.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjust the level of spice by adding an extra pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg