Cajun Pasta Recipe (with Chicken)

This cajun chicken pasta is the perfect quick and easy entree. Penne pasta is cooked with juicy chicken and a cajun alfredo sauce, making for the perfect comfort meal. This dish comes together quickly and makes for the ideal 30-minute family meal.

📝 Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced or quartered
• 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless skinless (2 chicken breasts)
• 1 Tbsp oil (canola or olive)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, mined
• 2 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne powder
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Penne typically takes 10-12 minutes to cook to al dente.
2. 2In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings and set aside.
3. 3Beat the chicken breasts to an even thickness with a meat mallet.
4. 4Season both sides of the chicken with cajun seasoning. Reserve half of the seasoning for the pasta.
5. 5Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 minutes per side or until each side is golden brown. Turn the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
7. 7In the same skillet, saute the mushrooms with 1 Tbsp of butter and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
8. 8Add the minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of butter, and tomatoes, and saute for 2 minutes.
9. 9Turn the heat down to low and add the heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, and remaining Cajun seasoning.
10. 10Bring the mixture to a light simmer and let it cook and thicken.
11. 11Cube up the chicken and add to the milk mixture.
12. 12Stir the pasta into the cream sauce.
13. 13Top the pasta with parmesan cheese and garnish it with fresh herbs. Enjoy!