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Cajun Chicken with Creamy Cajun Alfredo Penne

A delightful mix of tender chicken, zesty Cajun flavors, and a luxuriously creamy sauce over penne pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta
  • 14 oz penne pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.75 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for the sauce
  • 0.5 tsp white pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt for the sauce
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter for the sauce, then add garlic and sauté for another minute.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Cajun seasoning, white pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing everything to combine well.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Adjust the spice level and try adding vegetables for variations.