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Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta: A Spicy and Flavorful Recipe to Savor

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Enjoy a creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich sauce for a comforting weeknight meal. This easy-to-make dish brings a taste of the South to your dinner table, perfect for satisfying cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  8. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  9. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  10. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
  11. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 3-4 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
  12. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  13. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce.
  14. Next, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  15. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and heat through.
  16. Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
  17. Serve the Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
  18. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.
  • Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be great additions.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/cajun-chicken-penne-pasta/