Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing a flavor-packed experience directly inspired by Southern cuisine. The tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and vibrant bell peppers come together in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices for an added kick. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish can be adjusted to suit your heat preference. As a definite crowd-pleaser, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the comforting flavors of the South with a modern, effortless flair!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Barilla penne pasta
3/4 lb (Cooked according to package directions)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted in skillet)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 (Sliced 1/2-inch thick)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
Green onion
1 bunch (Chopped)
Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons (Adjust based on taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
Ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon
Heavy cream
8 ounces
Green bell pepper
1 (Julienned)
Red bell pepper
1 (Julienned)
Fresh mushrooms
8 ounces (Quartered)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3/4 cup (Grated)
Instructions
1
Cook the Barilla penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the sliced chicken breasts, cooking and stirring frequently until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
3
Incorporate the minced garlic, chopped green onions, Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4
Add the julienned green and red bell peppers and quartered mushrooms to the skillet. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and allow it to cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
5
Remove the lid and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the flavors meld together.
6
Finally, stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring it's well coated in the sauce.
8
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional green onions or cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne?
It is a Southern-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne, and vibrant bell peppers in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Barilla penne pasta.
How much pasta do I need?
You will need 3/4 lb of penne pasta.
What type of chicken is best for this dish?
The recipe uses 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How much butter is used to cook the chicken?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter.
What aromatics are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 3 minced garlic cloves and one bunch of chopped green onions.
What spices give the dish its Cajun flavor?
A combination of 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper is used.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper based on your personal taste preference.
What types of bell peppers are included?
The recipe includes one green bell pepper and one red bell pepper, both julienned.
Are there mushrooms in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, quartered.
What liquid is used to make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from 8 ounces of heavy cream.
What kind of cheese is added to the sauce?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Cook and stir the chicken for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The Barilla penne should be cooked according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
When do I add the garlic and spices?
Incorporate the garlic, green onions, and spices into the skillet once the chicken is browned.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
After adding the peppers and mushrooms, cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
How long does the sauce simmer with the heavy cream?
The mixture should simmer for about 2-3 minutes after adding the heavy cream.
When is the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese added?
Stir in the cheese after the sauce has simmered with the cream, continuing until the cheese melts.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the cooked penne until it is well coated.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional green onions or extra cheese.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a great option for an effortless dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the texture of the bell peppers?
The bell peppers are julienned, providing a nice texture that complements the penne pasta.
Does the recipe use fresh or canned mushrooms?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms.
Can this dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the dish immediately once the pasta is folded into the sauce.
What style of cuisine inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Southern cuisine and Cajun flavors.
Is the chicken cooked separately from the pasta?
Yes, the pasta is boiled in a separate pot while the chicken and sauce are prepared in a large skillet.
What makes this a 'comfort food' dish?
The combination of pasta, butter, heavy cream, and cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal associated with comfort food.
Is the heat level very high?
It has a 'kick' from the Cajun seasoning and cayenne, but it is adjustable to your preference.