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Garlic Butter Penne with Lemon Chicken Alfredo
Emily

Garlic Butter Penne with Lemon Chicken and Alfredo

This Garlic Butter Penne with Lemon Chicken and Alfredo combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, garlic butter, and a hint of lemon for a comforting pasta dish with bold flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • chopped green onions, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • pasta pot
  • Colander
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and paprika until evenly coated.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce and chicken.
  7. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.