Description
A creamy Cajun garlic parmesan chicken pasta made with juicy chicken and a rich three-cheese sauce over penne. Bold, comforting, and ideal for a cozy pasta night.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
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8 oz penne pasta
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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¾ cup mozzarella, shredded
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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2 oz cream cheese
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
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Season chicken with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper. Sear in oil and 1 tbsp butter until golden. Set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
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Add cream. Simmer gently. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
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Add pasta and chicken. Toss to coat. Use pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
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Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh cheese for smooth melting. Swap chicken with shrimp or sausage for variation. Adjust Cajun heat to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, American Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: ~620 per serving