Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, cooked perfectly and tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting meal combines bold Cajun spices with the smoothness of garlic butter and Parmesan, making it an easy and satisfying dinner option for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, evenly coating each piece with the spice blend.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare garlic butter: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Parmesan cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the pieces evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Toss in the pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until fully combined. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
- To make this dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
