Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne

Turn up the heat in your kitchen with this Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne, a bold and flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to impress! Juicy, bite-sized pieces of Cajun-seasoned chicken are perfectly seared and paired with tender penne pasta, all tossed in a creamy, spice-packed sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of red pepper flakes. Vibrant diced bell peppers and onions add a pop of sweetness and color, while fresh garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma. This one-pan wonder comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Spice up your pasta night with this easy and comforting Cajun chicken recipe that delivers on flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season evenly with Cajun seasoning.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and heated through.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot and enjoy your Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1681.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3488.8

Total Fat 156.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 616.6mg	0%
Sodium 7639.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 325.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.2g	0%
Total Sugars 13.3g
Protein 171.6g	0%

Vitamin D 8.0IU	0%
Calcium 307.5mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 2645.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 38.4%