Cajun Parmesan Chicken Penne with Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring often, until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
4. Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in the cheesy Cajun sauce.
8. Serve hot with a garnish of parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 700 per serving