Cajun Chicken Penne Delight
Indulge in a vibrant burst of flavors with this Cajun Chicken Penne Delight! This one-pan wonder combines perfectly cooked gluten-free penne with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, wholesome broccoli, and earthy mushrooms. Infused with a creamy sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, every bite is a celebration of spices and textures that will surely make you say 'mmmmm.' Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs a punch that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time, and get ready to enjoy a soul-satisfying meal your family will request again and again!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
4 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (thinly sliced)
cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons (mixed with chicken)
orange bell pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
mushrooms
4 ounces (quartered (preferably Baby Bellas))
broccoli
1 head (cut into florets and halved)
green onion
1 (thinly sliced)
milk
3/4 cup (or substitute with chicken stock)
butter
1/3 cup (melted (or substitute with chicken stock))
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (to thicken sauce)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
parmesan cheese
to taste (grated for serving)
fresh Italian bread
1 loaf (sliced for serving)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine thinly sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, tossing until evenly coated.
3
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the diced orange, yellow, and red bell peppers, green onions, quartered mushrooms, and the halved broccoli florets. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still vibrant.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter (or chicken stock for a lighter option) with the cornstarch until smooth. Add salt, dried basil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
6
Reduce the heat and slowly pour the creamy mixture into the skillet with vegetables, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and heats through.
7
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently fold in the drained penne pasta, ensuring everything is well-coasted in the sauce.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and your favorite crusty Italian bread for dipping!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Chicken Penne Delight?
It is a vibrant one-pan pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, a variety of bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms tossed in a creamy sauce with gluten-free penne.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe specifies using gluten-free penne pasta, making it suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of chicken is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for two boneless skinless chicken breasts, which should be thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.
Can I substitute the milk and butter in the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute both the milk and the butter with chicken stock if you prefer a lighter, dairy-free version of the sauce.
What vegetables are included in Cajun Chicken Penne Delight?
The dish includes orange, yellow, and red bell peppers, Baby Bella mushrooms, broccoli florets, and green onions.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using one tablespoon of cornstarch whisked into the milk and butter mixture.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
The chicken is tossed in two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to provide a bold, spicy flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The thinly sliced chicken breasts should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding it to the skillet?
Yes, you should boil the penne in salted water until al dente, drain it, and then fold it into the sauce at the end of the process.
Can I use regular penne instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely, you can use traditional wheat-based penne pasta if you do not have gluten sensitivities.
What spices are added to the creamy sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, dried basil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the recommended garnish to add a salty, nutty finish to the pasta.
Is this a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy one-pan wonder, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after draining?
Tossing the cooked and drained pasta with a light drizzle of olive oil will help prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, while Baby Bellas are suggested for their earthiness, white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms also work well.
What should I serve on the side?
The recipe suggests serving the pasta with a loaf of fresh Italian bread, perfect for dipping into the extra sauce.
How small should the vegetables be cut?
The bell peppers should be diced, the mushrooms quartered, and the broccoli florets should be cut and then halved.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a kick from the Cajun seasoning and lemon pepper, but the creamy sauce helps balance the heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted if you prefer a juicier cut of meat.
What is the cooking order for the skillet?
First, cook the seasoned chicken and set it aside; then sauté the vegetables, add the sauce mixture, and finally return the chicken and pasta to the pan.
How much Cajun seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to coat the two chicken breasts.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables for a long time?
No, just sauté them for 2-3 minutes so they remain vibrant and slightly tender rather than mushy.
What type of milk works best?
Standard dairy milk is usually used for creaminess, but you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce or chicken stock for a lighter one.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize this dish by adding spinach, zucchini, or snap peas.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 specific ingredients listed, ranging from the main proteins and pasta to the various spices and garnishes.
Is the broccoli cooked before being added to the skillet?
No, the broccoli is sautéed directly in the skillet with the peppers and mushrooms to maintain its texture.
What is the total amount of pasta used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of penne pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served immediately, but you can prepare the ingredients (slicing chicken and veggies) in advance to speed up the cooking process.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a soul-satisfying and colorful meal that is popular with both adults and children.