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Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet photo

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal blending spicy Cajun chicken with creamy sauce and cheesy penne pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound chicken breast diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • green onions sliced for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium Pot
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
  1. 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.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
  1. 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.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. 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.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
  1. 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.
Step 5: Combine and Melt
  1. 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.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. 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.