Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh)
Instructions
- Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked penne and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Optional: Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred level of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg