Cheesy Penne & Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Introduction

If you’re looking for a meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and has a kick, you’ll love Cheesy Penne & Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream. This dish combines tender pieces of Cajun-seasoned chicken with penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any special occasion!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it balances the creamy goodness of garlic and Parmesan with the spicy zest of Cajun seasoning. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can satisfy your cravings for comfort food while also delivering a bit of heat. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Cheesy Penne & Cajun Chicken

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, sliced
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups penne pasta
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Season the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute.
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes creamy.
Toss the cooked penne pasta in the sauce until well coated.
Plate the pasta, top with the Cajun chicken, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve hot!

How to Serve Cheesy Penne & Cajun Chicken

Serve this dish immediately while it’s hot for the best texture and flavor. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Cheesy Penne & Cajun Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Tips to Make Cheesy Penne & Cajun Chicken

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the Cajun seasoning and some olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
Make sure to sauté the garlic just until fragrant to avoid burning it.
Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance.

Variation

If you want to add more veggies, consider tossing in some bell peppers or spinach along with the garlic in the skillet. You can also substitute the chicken for shrimp or even use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a bit of spice from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust it to your taste by using less seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor.

Enjoy making and savoring this delightful Cheesy Penne & Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!