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Creamy cajun chicken pasta with penne, sliced chicken, and bell peppers in a skillet
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4.80 from 12 votes

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Tender seasoned chicken, penne pasta, and bell peppers in a creamy parmesan cajun sauce. Ready in 30 minutes\!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Season chicken breasts on both sides with cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  • Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Cook bell peppers 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Add heavy cream, cajun seasoning, and paprika. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth. Add pasta water if needed.
  • Toss cooked penne in the sauce until well coated.
  • Top with sliced chicken, extra parmesan, and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat add cayenne pepper. Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Store leftovers up to 3 days.