Description
Cajun Chicken Bites with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly blends bold Cajun flavors with a creamy, cheesy pasta. This delightful recipe features tender chicken pieces seasoned with zesty spices, sautéed to golden perfection, and served over al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this one-pot meal is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit everyone’s taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, these Cajun chicken bites will surely impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly until smooth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Then add mozzarella, Parmesan, and more Cajun seasoning if desired. Stir until thick, creamy, and cheesy. Season with salt and pepper to taste; thin with pasta water if needed.
- Add cooked penne and chicken bites to the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything in cheesy goodness. Let warm together for about 2-3 minutes.
- Top with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg