Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Cook the penne in salted water until al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Sear in a skillet with olive oil until cooked through, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced bell peppers and minced garlic until softened.
- Add remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes; toast briefly before pouring in heavy cream. Simmer while stirring in Parmesan until creamy.
- Combine cooked penne and protein into the sauce; add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lime juice before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg