Chicken, pasta, broccoli and Cajun spices combine in a creamy skillet for an easy, bold weeknight dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Pasta & Vegetables
04 - 8 ounces penne pasta
05 - 2 cups broccoli florets
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
→ Sauce
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
14 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
15 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain using a colander and set aside.
02 - Toss chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper as needed.
06 - Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to toss everything until evenly coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
07 - Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
