Description
A bold and creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich Cajun-spiced sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- 2. Add chicken to the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3. In the same pot, add diced onions and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- 5. Add uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6. Return chicken to the pot when pasta is almost al dente. Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- 7. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
- 8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy consistency. Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g