Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet
If you’re craving a quick yet flavor-packed dinner that combines the hearty comfort of pasta with a spicy kick, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet is exactly what your weeknight needs. Tender chicken breast, perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, mingles with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, all swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce. Tossed with al dente penne pasta and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this one-pan wonder promises layers of rich, bold flavors with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and zest to your table.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet is a dependable recipe because it balances bold seasoning with creamy textures, ensuring every bite is satisfying. The use of simple, accessible ingredients means you can whip it up without hunting down obscure spices or specialty items. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet saves time on cleanup and keeps the flavors concentrated. The recipe is flexible enough to adapt with what you have on hand, yet consistent in delivering mouthwatering results. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining.
The Essentials
- 8 ounces penne pasta: Pasta is the hearty base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the Cajun seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables, adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that brings warmth and a touch of heat.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once caramelized.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Brings color and a mild crunch to balance the creamy sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic sharpness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that coats every ingredient.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and layers of savory flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with freshness and slight acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Green onions, sliced for garnish: Adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.
Tools of the Trade
- Large skillet or sauté pan: Preferably non-stick or cast iron for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Medium pot: To boil the penne pasta until al dente.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping the chicken and veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure the right balance of seasoning and liquids.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet Made Stepwise
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the diced chicken breast dry with paper towels. Toss in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream and cherry tomatoes. Allow the sauce to gently simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Melt
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors in every forkful.
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different cheesy twist.
- Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies and texture.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Try substituting penne with rigatoni or fusilli to change the pasta shape but keep the hearty feel.
- For an herbaceous note, finish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro instead of green onions.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
- Don’t overcook the chicken; diced pieces should be just cooked through to stay tender and juicy.
- Be careful with the Cajun seasoning—some blends can be quite salty or spicy, so adjust to taste.
- Make sure to reserve pasta water before draining; it’s a great trick to loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently—boiling can cause the cream to curdle or separate.
- Use a large enough skillet to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than searing the chicken and veggies.
Shelf Life & Storage
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
Your Top Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to dice them into even pieces and cook thoroughly, adjusting the cooking time if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same steps for a creamy, flavorful veggie-packed pasta.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate level of heat with smoky and savory notes. You can tone it down by using less seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend. For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat the skillet gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken moist. Microwaving works too but heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
One Pan, More Ideas
- Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken Fingerlings – A sweet and savory chicken and potato dish perfect for easy dinners.
- Creamed Spinach – A luscious, comforting side that pairs beautifully with any chicken entrée.
- Baked Ziti With Ricotta – A classic Italian-American baked pasta that’s cheesy and crowd-pleasing.
Ready to Cook?
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a homemade meal that comes together quickly but tastes like it took hours in the kitchen. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet offers that perfect balance—rich, creamy, and packed with spice, all in one pan. Gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and dive into a plateful of comfort with a Cajun twist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe will soon become a go-to for those nights when you want big flavor without the big effort.
Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Pat the diced chicken breast dry. Toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and cherry tomatoes. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained penne and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and pasta is coated. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice and salt level.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent cream from curdling.
- Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper searing.
