Description

Get ready to make one of the most comforting and flavor-packed pasta dinners you’ll ever try. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet combines juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender penne pasta, rich creamy sauce, and melty cheese all in one pan. It’s the perfect easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights, cozy family meals, and comforting food ideas that taste restaurant-quality without complicated steps. This quick dinner recipe is loaded with bold smoky Cajun flavors balanced by creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re searching for easy pasta recipes, chicken dinner ideas, one-skillet meals, or satisfying comfort food, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta delivers incredible flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces

12 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 small onion diced

1 red bell pepper diced

4 garlic cloves minced

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

2. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened.

5. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release the flavorful browned bits.

7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream until smooth.

8. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until melted and creamy.

9. Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.

10. Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

11. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is hot and combined.

12. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.

Do not overcook the pasta because it continues absorbing sauce after mixing into the skillet.

Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency without making it too thin.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 720
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 165mg

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