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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Penne pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Chicken breast provides protein and pairs well with Cajun seasoning. The bell pepper and onion add color and crunch. Garlic gives depth to the flavor. Heavy cream and chicken broth create the rich sauce. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty touch. Don't forget the salt, pepper, and parsley for that finishing touch. - For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - Gluten-free pasta works well if you need a gluten-free choice. - You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different taste. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets. Coconut cream will still give you that creamy feel. Gluten-free pasta lets everyone join in. Shrimp or tofu can bring new flavors to the meal. - Look for Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's for great Cajun seasoning. - Barilla and De Cecco offer quality pasta options. - For cream, Horizon Organic is a trusted brand. Using quality brands ensures the best flavor in your dish. Cajun seasoning from top brands will give you authentic taste. Good pasta and cream can elevate your meal to new heights. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the penne pasta, start by filling a large pot with water. Bring the water to a rapid boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This step helps flavor the pasta. Next, add the 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a cup of the cooking water. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken breast pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat the chicken well for maximum flavor. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and diced onion. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it adds great flavor. Next, lower the heat to medium and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir the mixture well, scraping any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. After the sauce thickens, return the sautéed chicken to the skillet. Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta. Next, sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined and coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps you reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste the dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. To get the right creamy texture, balance the cream and broth. A good ratio is one cup of cream to one cup of broth. This mix gives you a rich, smooth sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water. The starchy water helps thin the sauce without losing flavor. You can boost the dish's taste with extra spices. Consider adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for more depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also add brightness. If you want more heat, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add hot sauce to kick things up a notch. Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and season the chicken before you start cooking. This saves time and keeps you organized. A one-pot method can also save you effort. Cook the chicken, veggies, and pasta all in the same pot to cut down on dishes while still creating a delicious meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will enhance the flavor of your creamy Cajun chicken penne, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a splash of cream to balance the heat. Reserve Pasta Water: Always keep some pasta cooking water aside; it can help you adjust the sauce's consistency without losing flavor. Garnish Creatively: For a pop of color and freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes along with the parsley when serving. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish meatless. Instead of chicken, use extra firm tofu. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it like the chicken. You can also add more veggies for flavor and color. Try zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These will make your dish tasty and colorful. For a seafood twist, swap chicken for shrimp or scallops. Both options cook fast, so keep an eye on them. Cook shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. For scallops, aim for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden. This change adds a fresh ocean flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. If you love heat, you can amp up the Cajun flavor. Add more Cajun seasoning to your taste. You can also include a few dashes of hot sauce or diced chili peppers. This will give your dish a fiery kick that spice lovers will enjoy. Adjust the spice level to match your preferences for a bold meal. To keep your creamy Cajun chicken penne fresh, use airtight containers. These containers lock in moisture and flavors. Glass or sturdy plastic are great choices. Let the dish cool completely before sealing it. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the bold flavors later! When reheating pasta, use the stove or microwave. The stove helps keep the dish creamy. Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to avoid dryness. Stir often and heat on low. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. This prevents mushy pasta. Check every minute to stir and adjust heat. To freeze your creamy pasta, let it cool completely first. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen servings can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a bit of cream or broth for best results! Yes, you can. If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich, but it will still taste great. This recipe has a nice kick! Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. If you want it milder, use less seasoning. If you like more spice, add some hot sauce or more Cajun spice. Remember, you control the heat! Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and veggies ahead. Just store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, cook the pasta and add everything together. This dish keeps well for a few days. Here are some great sides to pair with Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne: - Garlic bread - Caesar salad - Roasted vegetables - Corn on the cob These sides will complement your meal and add variety. This blog post covered the steps to create a tasty Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne. We explored each ingredient, including substitutions and brand recommendations. You learned cooking techniques, flavor tips, and how to store leftovers properly. Whether you want a vegetarian version or a spicy twist, you have options. Enjoy cooking this dish and sharing it with others. The flavors will impress everyone at your table. You now have the tools to make a great meal!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-seasoned chicken and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rapid boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  • Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to become fragrant. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until the garlic is aromatic but not burned.
  • Lower the heat to medium and pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir and combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
  • Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet and gently fold in the cooked penne pasta. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Transfer the creamy Cajun chicken penne to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve in wide, shallow bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan and Cajun seasoning for added flavor.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta