This delightful recipe brings together the richness of a creamy sauce, the smokiness of cajun seasoning, and the comfort of pasta in one irresistible dish. What sets it apart is the harmonious blend of spices that create a warm and flavorful experience with every bite. The chicken adds a protein-packed element, making it a hearty and satisfying meal loved by many. Ready to get started?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Cajun seasoning according to your preference. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. Feel free to add additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of richness and enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
