Description
A hearty, 30-minute dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy Parmesan-and-cream sauce and al dente penne pasta. Bold yet balanced, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast slices
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken slices with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté 5-6 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and half the Parmesan cheese. Simmer 4-5 minutes until thickened, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Return cooked pasta to the pot. Add chicken-cream sauce, stirring to coat. Mix in ¼ cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Garnish with remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat. Add ½ cup steamed spinach or tomatoes for extra nutrients. Serve with crusty bread or a green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg