Zesty Homemade Penne Pasta in Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering penne pasta in creamy cajun sauce brings instant comfort to your dinner table.

Spicy and rich flavors dance across your palate with each perfectly coated noodle.

Robust seasonings blend seamlessly into a silky sauce that promises excitement.

New orleans culinary traditions inspire this simple yet bold dish.

Creamy textures marry fiery spices in a delightful culinary embrace.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum taste.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving of this irresistible recipe.

Why You’ll Love Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Boost Flavor Fast: Cajun seasoning transforms simple ingredients into a bold, zesty meal that packs a punch of excitement in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for shrimp, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: This one-skillet wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for busy households craving a delicious homemade meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The creamy sauce and hearty pasta create a satisfying dish that appeals to both adults and kids, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy cajun sauce.
• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious base for the cajun sauce.

• Garlic, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: These ingredients provide depth of flavor and colorful texture to the pasta dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Brings bold, spicy flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and vegetables while adding a subtle richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that complements the creamy and spicy sauce.

Steps To Make Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain completely and set aside, allowing the pasta to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sear Chicken with Golden Edges

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked through.

Step 3: Infuse Vegetables with Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Chopped red bell pepper
• Chopped green bell pepper

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their aromatic flavors, creating a vibrant base for the sauce.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle in cajun seasoning. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each pasta piece is lavishly coated with the spicy, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference and bringing out the depth of flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top of the pasta, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Helpful Tips For Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Opt for homemade cajun seasoning to control spice levels and avoid preservatives.
• Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein variation that keeps the dish exciting.
• Use whole wheat penne to increase fiber content and add nutritional value to the meal.
• Reduce heavy cream calories by substituting half with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of milk to restore sauce consistency.

Tasty Twists On Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with shrimp or a mix of seafood like scallops and crab for an oceanic flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein for a meatless version that keeps the spicy sauce intact.
• Protein Power: Use sliced andouille sausage or blackened steak instead of chicken to create a heartier, more robust meal with intense Cajun character.
• Green Goddess: Add spinach or kale during the vegetable cooking stage to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-rich pasta dish.

Best Sides For Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the spicy cajun flavors and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex taste profile.
• Match with Crisp Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the bold cajun seasoning, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta's intensity.
• Cool Down with Citrus Salad: Prepare a light mixed greens salad with orange segments and lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heat and provide a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra cajun cream sauce, adding another layer of flavor and texture to the meal.

How To Store Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. The cream-based sauce might slightly separate but will re-integrate when reheated.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency.

Penne Pasta In Creamy Cajun Sauce FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. It originates from Louisiana and adds a bold, zesty flavor to dishes.

• How spicy is this Cajun pasta dish?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and gradually increase for your desired spiciness.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even make it vegetarian by using tofu or additional vegetables. The creamy Cajun sauce works well with various protein options.

Penne Pasta in Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy penne pasta in creamy cajun sauce delivers a mouthwatering journey through Louisiana’s bold flavors. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a zesty comfort meal that brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cajun seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and sliced bell peppers into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become slightly softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring vigorously while incorporating cajun seasoning for an even, spicy distribution.
5. Allow the creamy sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, developing rich flavors and slightly thickening consistency.
6. Fold the cooked penne pasta into the cajun cream sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is completely enveloped and coated with the spicy mixture.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting to balance the spice levels.
8. Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Adjust cajun seasoning intensity by gradually adding and tasting to control spice level for different heat preferences.
• Create vegetarian version by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for balanced nutrition.
• Reserve pasta cooking water to help thin sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring smooth and creamy consistency.
• Use gluten-free pasta alternative like brown rice or chickpea pasta to make dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg