Description
A rich, spicy, and ultra-creamy weeknight pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a luxurious cheese sauce and penne pasta, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound penne pasta (rigate preferred)
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Cut chicken into cubes, pat dry, and toss with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mince garlic, chop parsley, and grate cheeses.
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Do not rinse pasta.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Make sauce base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not brown.
- Simmer cream: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese, then add Monterey Jack/Mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth. Add pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Combine: Return pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
- Serve: Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and black pepper.
Notes
Use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated to avoid grainy texture. Save starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce cheese amounts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo penne, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, 30 minute meal, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner