Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken 🍋✨🌸
Ingredients:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 oz cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, letting it simmer gently.
4. Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until it melts smoothly. Then add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and velvety. If it’s too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water.
5. Return the cooked chicken and penne to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is fully coated in the rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
6. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired. Get ready for a super cheesy, spicy, and satisfying dish everyone will love!
Cooking Time:30 minutes
Servings:4
Calories: 800 per serving
This Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken recipe is a delicious blend of bold Cajun flavors and rich, creamy cheese sauce, which makes it a standout comfort food dish. Cajun seasoning, known for its aromatic spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, infuses the chicken with a mild heat and smokiness that complements the cheesy sauce perfectly. Using a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a luxurious texture and depth of flavor in the sauce. Mozzarella adds meltiness, Parmesan provides a nutty tang, while cream cheese contributes to an extra creamy finish. The addition of heavy cream and chicken broth balances the richness with moisture and lightness, while the reserved pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency, ensuring it clings beautifully to the penne pasta. To maintain the best taste and texture, cooking penne al dente is key as it provides a slight firmness that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. Searing the Cajun-seasoned chicken in olive oil ensures a golden brown crust that locks in juices, elevating the overall dish. Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens the palate. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For those interested in nutritional aspects, at approximately 800 calories per serving, this dish offers a hearty option packed with protein from chicken and dairy, suitable for moderate portions. To make it lighter, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reducing the amount of cheese. This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or by swapping penne for whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, the Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken combines convenience and flavor in a crowd-pleasing dish.
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