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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta

Cajun chicken Alfredo penne pasta - featured image
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A creamy and spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo pasta dish that combines smoky Cajun seasoning with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (360 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 g)
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels for better browning. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let them sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Set pasta aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt it. Toss in minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 minute, avoiding browning.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping any browned bits off the pan. Let the cream warm and thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen.
  7. Season the sauce with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Add the cooked penne pasta and Cajun chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Heat together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Spoon the pasta into warm bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen. Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Gluten-free penne can be used to make the recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, penne pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken, dinner recipe, quick meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/flavorful-cajun-chicken-alfredo-penne-pasta-easy-recipe-for-dinner/