Cajun Chicken Bites with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cajun Chicken Bites with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce, a dish that brings together succulent chicken seasoned to perfection and creamy pasta enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. The zesty kick from the Cajun seasoning complements the comforting cheese sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic before whisking in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream while stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cheeses until melted and creamy; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine cooked penne and chicken with the sauce; heat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 715mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg