Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp, sliced or peeled/deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: 1/4 tsp cayenne, fresh parsley or cilantro, juice of 1/2 lime, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Sear in a skillet with 1 tbsp oil until cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil and butter. Sauté bell peppers and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toast spices 30 seconds, pour in heavy cream, and stir in Parmesan until creamy.
- Add pasta and cooked protein to sauce. Stir to coat, add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with herbs and lime, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Use chicken, shrimp, or a mix.
- Optional garnishes: parsley, cilantro, lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot / Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg