Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cajun seasoning, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated.
- If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Top with sliced Cajun chicken.
- Garnish with diced tomatoes, parsley, extra Parmesan, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for even juicier results.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best with the creamy sauce.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
This Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers tender, spicy chicken and creamy Parmesan-coated pasta in every bite, making it a perfect restaurant-quality meal to enjoy at home. 🍝🌶️🍗✨
