Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne: A 30-Minute Delight
Short introduction
Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne is a comforting pasta dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning and the creamy richness of a heavy sauce. It’s a one-skillet meal that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and vibrant bell peppers, making it a perfect family dinner option.
Why you’ll love it
This dish is quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying, satisfying both heart and palate. The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick without being overwhelmingly spicy, making it suitable for a wide range of taste preferences. Additionally, it incorporates lean protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome and filling meal for everyone.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta (the perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing the chicken and vegetables)
- 1 pound chicken breast (diced, tender, lean protein)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (the star spice blend that brings all the flavors together)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, whichever you prefer)
- 1 cup heavy cream (creates the rich and velvety sauce)
- 1 cup chicken broth (adds depth and moisture to the dish)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced, a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances the overall savory profile)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (complements the garlic and spices)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, adds a bright, herbal finish)
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to lower the richness, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for the heavy cream. For a healthier version, swap out penne for whole wheat or zoodles (zucchini noodles). You can also replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you cannot find Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder can do the trick.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and corn kernels. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened and the corn is heated through.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 6
Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Success tips
To ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked, pay close attention to the package instructions for the penne. Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Avoid overcooking the chicken by cutting it into smaller pieces, which will cook quickly and evenly. When adding seasoning, remember you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Start with a little and adjust according to your taste.
How to serve
This creamy pasta dish is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple green salad for a wonderful meal. A side of crusty bread would also complement the dish nicely, perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave for a quick reheating option, stirring halfway for even heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The Cajun seasoning gives it a kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste or choose a milder seasoning blend.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may change texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish offers a balanced meal with protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the pasta, and fiber from the vegetables. For a healthier alternative, consider using whole grain pasta and reducing the amount of cream.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne is a wonderful addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. This easy-to-make one-skillet meal is delicious, satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors.
Links to related recipes
- Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach
- One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
- Spicy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta the perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream creates the rich and velvety sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth adds depth and moisture to the dish
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned, whichever you prefer
- 1 cup bell peppers diced, a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness
Protein and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken breast diced, tender, lean protein
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning the star spice blend that brings all the flavors together
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder enhances the overall savory profile
- 1 teaspoon onion powder complements the garlic and spices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing the chicken and vegetables
- Fresh parsley for garnish, adds a bright, herbal finish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and corn kernels. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened and the corn is heated through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy.