Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream
A delightful dish combining creamy flavors with a spicy kick, perfect for weeknight dinners and impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large large chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken
For the Pasta
- 2 cups penne pasta Cooked to al dente
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter For sautéing the garlic
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water Retained from cooking the pasta
- Fresh parsley, for garnish Adds a fresh touch
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Boil the penne pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water until reaching a creamy consistency.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
Serving
- Plate the creamy pasta, top it with the Cajun chicken, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread. Marinate chicken for extra flavor, and feel free to swap in other cheeses or proteins.