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Cajun chicken pasta in a white bowl with blackened strips, creamy sauce and diced tomatoes coating penne

Copycat Cajun Chicken Pasta

Blacken the chicken first, then build the cream sauce in the same pan to capture every bit of fond for this cajun chicken pasta chili's copycat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g Chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 340 g Penne pasta
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup Diced tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until blackened and cooked to 165°F / 74°C, then remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add heavy cream, diced tomatoes, remaining Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce thickens for 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss until everything is coated in the sauce.
  6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.