Creamy Cajun Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Cajun Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe, a delightful twist on traditional pasta. This dish combines tender chicken and a creamy sauce infused with zesty Cajun spices, featuring three types of cheese for an irresistible comfort food experience. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasions, this recipe can be prepared in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy nights in. With simple steps and vibrant flavors, your taste buds are in for a treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting chicken)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for the sauce)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley or herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook penne until al dente.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; press Parmesan onto each piece.
- Sear chicken in a skillet with butter and olive oil until cooked through.
- Add garlic to the skillet before removing chicken; keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter; add garlic and sauté.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
- Whisk in cream cheese and gradually add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until thickened.
- Season sauce with herbs; mix in cooked penne until coated.
- Serve topped with seared chicken or mixed together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 840
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 29g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: For extra vegetables, consider adding bell peppers or spinach to the recipe. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste.