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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Penne

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A quick, comforting, and flavorful one-pot pasta dish combining creamy Alfredo sauce with smoky Cajun spices, tender chicken, and penne pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown but not fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside. (5 minutes)
  3. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. (1 minute)
  4. Pour in chicken broth and Alfredo sauce, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it’s submerged. (2 minutes)
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. (15 minutes)
  6. Add the chicken back to the pot along with heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir well and cook for another 3-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. (5 minutes)
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed. (2 minutes)
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Alfredo sauce. Gluten-free penne can be used with adjusted cooking times. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo penne, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, easy recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-alfredo-penne-recipe-easy-and-best-guide/