Spicy Cajun Penne
Experience the bold flavors of the South with this Spicy Cajun Penne recipe, a perfect blend of creamy, smoky, and spicy goodness in every bite. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich, Cajun-spiced cream sauce, featuring juicy, pan-seared chicken breast and a medley of smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic for layers of irresistible flavor. A finishing touch of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds a delightful balance to the heat-packed dish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this quick and easy weeknight recipe is as comforting as it is flavorful. Perfect for fans of Cajun-inspired cuisine, this pasta makes a restaurant-quality meal that's sure to impress at any dinner table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes to heat through.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined with the sauce and chicken.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
742 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.9 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.1 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 196 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 680 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 44.9 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 148 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 437 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
