Best 5 Quick Cajun Chicken Penne Recipes

ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
• Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
• Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.

CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water then drain, cover, and keep warm.
• Beat the chicken breasts so that they are even in thickness and season all over with 1½ Tbsp cajun seasoning.
• In a large non-reactive skillet*, heat 2 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides. Turn heat down to low and saute until cooked through and 165˚F on a thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
• In the same skillet over medium heat, saute the butter and garlic for 30-60 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and saute another 2 minutes.
• Add in the heavy whipping cream, remaining cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese, and bring to a simmer. Season to taste if needed.
• Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until combined and pasta and chicken are warmed through. Add warm reserved pasta water if desired to thin the sauce. Serve with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.

GLUTEN FREE PENNE WITH CAJUN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Meanwhile in a hot skillet, brown the chicken in olive oil over high heat for approximately 5 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic and Cajun seasoning and saute for 3 additional minutes. Stir in wine then season with salt and pepper; reduce liquid by half.
• Add cream and bring to simmer.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.
• Drain and toss with sauce and stir in cheese before serving.

SKINNY CAJUN CHICKEN PENNE

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, toss diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and stir to completely coat. Set aside.
• Bring a medium pot of water to boil and cook penne according to directions for al dente pasta. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet (cast iron if you have it), melt 1-1/2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken to skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes or until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and cover.
• Turn heat to low and add 1 tablespoon of flour to the pan (you should sill have some butter/oil left in there) and stir/whisk constantly until the flour/butter forms a pasty roux mixture. Do not let this burn, it will only take a minute.
• Slowly add 3/4 cup of skim milk while whisking constantly to keep lumps from forming. If lumps do form, just smush them up with a spatula and continue to whisk. Mixture should be smooth.
• Add 1/4 cup sundried tomato past, 2 diced green onions, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil. Turn heat up to medium/medium-high and whisk together and cook until mixture thickens.
• Add penne, chicken, and 1/4 cup of parmesan to the skillet, and stir to coat.
• Serve immediately with a nice green salad.

CAJUN CHICKEN PENNE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, toss chicken with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken in 2 teaspoons oil until no longer pink; drain. Remove and keep warm. , In the same skillet, saute peppers and onion in remaining oil for 1 minute. Add garlic; saute 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes; saute 2 minutes longer. Stir in 3/4 cup milk., Bring to a boil. Combine flour with remaining Cajun seasoning and milk until smooth; gradually stir into skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Return chicken to the pan; heat through. Drain pasta; toss with chicken mixture.