Description
A bold and creamy Cajun-inspired pasta dish that balances smoky heat with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This weeknight wonder can be made with chicken or shrimp, comes together in just 30 minutes, and is perfect for anyone craving comfort food with a kick.
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or shrimp, sliced or peeled/deveined
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2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
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1 tbsp (15 g) butter
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tsp (5 g) Cajun seasoning
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½ tsp (1 g) smoked paprika
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
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¼ tsp (0.5 g) cayenne pepper
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
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Juice of ½ lime (15 ml)
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½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
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Season chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–6 minutes or shrimp 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté peppers and garlic 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds.
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Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until creamy.
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Return pasta and cooked protein to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
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Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot.
Notes
Adjust spice to taste by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and cayenne.
Keep pasta slightly undercooked before adding it to the sauce to finish cooking in the skillet.
Parmesan clumps will melt as the sauce simmers.
Lime juice brightens and balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American