Description
This Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta is the perfect blend of bold Cajun flavors and a rich, creamy sauce. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a touch of parmesan, this dish is packed with deliciousness in every bite. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
Scale
-
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups half and half
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan, plus more for topping
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
Garnish:
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, clean it, and return the skillet to medium heat.
- Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for another 30 seconds to create a roux.
- Slowly add the half and half, starting with about a tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens. Once you’ve added about half a cup, you can add the remaining half more quickly.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and let it melt completely. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Top with diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, additional parmesan cheese, and sliced cooked chicken.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap the chicken for shrimp if you prefer seafood in your Cajun pasta.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg