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Cajun Chicken Bites with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Cajun Chicken Bites with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce

Cajun Chicken Bites with Cheesy Penne Parmesan Sauce is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Tender chicken bites are seasoned with zesty Cajun spices and sautéed until golden brown, then enveloped in a creamy, cheesy penne pasta sauce that’s simply irresistible. This comforting meal is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. Toss chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
  5. Whisk in flour to form a roux; slowly add milk while whisking. Simmer until thickened.
  6. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired. Mix until creamy; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  7. Combine cooked penne and chicken in the sauce; warm together for 1-2 minutes before serving.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.