Description
A creamy and spicy Cajun chicken pasta with crispy wings, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- Parsley flakes (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Chicken Wings:
- 8–10 chicken wings
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (for baking or air frying)
Instructions
- Season & Cook the Wings: Toss chicken wings in smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, Cajun seasoning, salt, and oil. Bake or air fry at 400°F for 30–35 mins until crispy and golden.
- Boil & Drain Pasta: Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In a hot skillet, cook seasoned diced chicken with a bit of oil until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: Add butter to the skillet, then stir in tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 3–5 mins until thick. Stir in Parmesan.
- Bring It All Together: Toss the pasta and chicken into the sauce. Stir well. Plate it up and top with crispy wings, chili flakes, and parsley.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Air Frying, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg