Description
Creamy, zesty, and packed with flavor! Tender Cajun-spiced chicken, garlic butter penne, and a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce with a bright lemon twist—topped with melty mozzarella and green onions. Ready in 30 minutes
Ingredients
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 pound penne pasta
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup chicken broth
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
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In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
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Let it marinate while you prepare the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
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In a large skillet, melt ½ cup butter over medium-high heat.
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Add 6 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
4. Cook the Chicken
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Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet.
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Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
5. Create the Alfredo Sauce
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Lower the heat. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine the Pasta
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Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet.
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Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
7. Add Mozzarella and Melt
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Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella over the pasta.
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Cover the skillet and let sit for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
8. Garnish and Serve
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Top with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality Alfredo dish in under 40 minutes.
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Ideal for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and a little indulgent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American