Ingredients

250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or more if you like it spicy!)

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp cooking oil

Salt & black pepper, to taste

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced (or a combination of green and yellow peppers)

½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)

1 cup double cream (heavy cream)

½ cup grated parmesan

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.

Step 3: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: In the same pan, add butter. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add double cream and grated parmesan to the pan. Stir and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 7: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, with extra parmesan on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just add it at the end to warm through.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.

Try adding different colored bell peppers for a vibrant dish.

If you prefer a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is recommended for holding the sauce well, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle as alternatives. Just cook the pasta according to package instructions.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the amounts to your taste.