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Creamy cajun chicken pasta with penne bell peppers and parsley in white bowl

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

One skillet creamy cajun chicken pasta with seared cajun chicken, sweet bell peppers, and silky parmesan cream sauce in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast sliced into 1/2 inch strips
  • 2 tbsp cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz penne pasta uncooked
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Toss sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning and salt. Let sit 5 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add remaining oil and bell peppers. Cook 3 minutes until edges char. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and remaining cajun seasoning. Add uncooked penne and stir to submerge.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and cook 12 to 14 minutes stirring every few minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce thickened.
  6. Stir in parmesan and butter until glossy. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat.
  7. Scatter parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Grate parmesan fresh from a block for the silkiest sauce. Cajun seasoning varies in salt so taste before adding more. Keep the simmer gentle.