Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Creamy Cajun Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made from a delightful trio of cheeses, combined with tender chicken strips and a kick of Cajun spices. This comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for family dinners or special occasions. The bold flavors and creamy texture will surely impress your guests or satisfy your cravings on a cozy night in. In just about 30-35 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal that feels indulgent yet straightforward to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh chopped parsley or herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and press grated Parmesan onto them.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter; sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet; add remaining butter and garlic to sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and creamy; season to taste.
- Add cooked penne to sauce, tossing well to coat.
- Serve topped with crispy chicken strips and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg