Description
This dish delivers on all fronts! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150 g) spinach leaves
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Pasta, Quick Dinner, Family-Friendly