Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne is a bold and comforting pasta dish with seared chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a luscious cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights and easy to customize for any dietary needs.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz penne pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and onion to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant and soft.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping any brown bits. Let it gently simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Add penne pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
9. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning.
10. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or red pepper flakes.
Notes
Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Shrimp or sausage make excellent protein alternatives.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American