Go Back
To make Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne, you will need the following main ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients form the base of your dish. The penne pasta gives it texture, while the chicken offers protein. The bell pepper, onion, and garlic add great flavor. Next, you will need some key seasonings to elevate your dish: - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Cajun seasoning is the star here. It brings heat and depth. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your spice level. Salt and pepper should be added according to your taste. Finally, let’s talk about garnishing options to make your dish pop: - Chopped parsley for garnish Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. You can also add more grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning on top for color. This finishing touch makes your plate look even more appetizing! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key. Once it boils, add 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it based on the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. When it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 1 sliced bell pepper and 1 small diced onion. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This adds great flavor. After that, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. The garlic will start to smell amazing. Now, lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes. This will be your creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Then, add the drained penne pasta. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until every piece is coated in the sauce. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat. Before serving, garnish your dish with chopped parsley. This adds a nice touch. Serve the pasta in wide bowls. For extra flair, sprinkle more Parmesan and a bit of Cajun seasoning on top. Enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken penne! To boost flavor, use fresh spices. Fresh garlic and herbs add bright notes. You can also try smoked paprika for extra depth. A squeeze of lemon juice can lift the dish, too. Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your liking. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Aim for al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Another mistake is not letting the sauce thicken. Simmer it well to achieve that creamy texture. Also, don’t skip the Parmesan cheese. It adds richness and ties all the flavors together. For this dish, a large skillet is key. It allows even cooking of the chicken and veggies. A pot for boiling pasta is also important. Use a good-quality knife for chopping. Lastly, a wooden spoon works well for stirring. It helps prevent scratches on your skillet, keeping it in great shape. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook the penne until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Homemade Cajun Seasoning: For a fresher flavor, consider making your own Cajun seasoning blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs. Thickening the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to achieve the desired consistency. Flavor Boost with Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Adding a bit of cream cheese or smoked Gouda can elevate the flavor profile of your dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works great in this dish. Just sauté the shrimp until pink and tender. You can also use cooked sausage for a heartier flavor. If you prefer, try turkey breast or even tofu for a leaner option. Each choice brings its own taste and texture, making it fun to experiment. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and use extra veggies. Mushrooms add a meaty texture. Zucchini and spinach also work well. You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a full flavor. Adding chickpeas can increase protein and make the dish filling. This way, you still enjoy a creamy, flavorful meal without meat. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer tasty options that hold up well in this dish. Ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free too. You can also use cornstarch to thicken the sauce, if needed. These swaps keep the creamy Cajun chicken penne delicious for everyone. To store your creamy Cajun chicken penne, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few ways to reheat them. You can use a microwave, stovetop, or oven. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to a skillet, then add the pasta. Stir over medium heat until heated through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can freeze creamy Cajun chicken penne for up to three months. To do this, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using one of the methods above for best results. You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option. Both give a nice creaminess. If you need a dairy-free choice, try cashew cream. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. Yes, you can use any pasta type you like. Bowtie, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Some mixes are mild, while others pack a punch. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a little and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it hot! To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Use a dairy-free cheese for the Parmesan. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without dairy. Some great sides include a green salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also make a nice balance. If you want something light, try a simple cucumber salad to cool the spice. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make creamy Cajun chicken penne. We looked at the main ingredients, seasoning, and garnishing. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and offered variations for protein and dietary needs. As you try this dish, remember that practice makes perfect. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and creating your own twist! Have fun cooking and savoring every bite.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-seasoned chicken and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the cooked penne pasta. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta in wide bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a pop of color!
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta