Description
Spicy cajun pasta brings Southern charm straight to dinner tables with irresistible flavor combinations. Creamy sauce and zesty seasonings create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both surfaces. Sear chicken for approximately 3 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Wipe skillet clean with paper towel.
- Return skillet to medium heat, melt butter, and quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Incorporate flour and whisk to create a light roux, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
- Gradually introduce half and half, adding tablespoon increments while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Once sauce begins thickening, pour remaining liquid more rapidly.
- Fold in parmesan cheese, allowing complete melting. Incorporate remaining Cajun seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into creamy sauce, ensuring uniform coating. Slice chicken into strips.
- Plate pasta, arrange chicken strips on top, and garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and extra parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and vibrant.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this dish more diet-friendly and nutritious.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using less or a mild blend for those sensitive to spicy foods.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispier exterior during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg