Savory Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken Penne
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter, letting the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
7. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: Approx. 600 per serving