Description
A rich and flavorful dish featuring penne pasta, chicken (or shrimp), bell peppers, and a creamy Cajun sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (Substitute with rigatoni, fettuccine, or rotini if necessary.)
- 1 pound Chicken or Shrimp (Can be substituted with mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu for a vegetarian/vegan option.)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Optional to adjust spiciness.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with plant-based cream for a vegan-friendly option.)
- 1 cup Cheese (e.g., Parmesan, Monterey Jack) (Enhances richness; optional and can be made plant-based.)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (Can include other vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes or Jalapeños (Provides heat; adjust amount based on desired spice level.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can use any cooking oil of choice.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste.)
Instructions
- Boil a pot of water and add salt. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken or shrimp and sauté until fully cooked and golden, around 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the diced bell peppers and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and vibrant.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, allowing the spices to mingle for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let it come to a simmer and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently mix until the penne is well coated. Stir in any cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and your choice of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- This dish can be easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets by substituting protein and cream options.
- Adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste preference by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Try incorporating seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg