Servings: 16 Servings
Calories: 519kcal
Equipment
- Large fry pan/ skillet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs penne pasta – Boil the penne pasta until al dente creating a firm yet tender texture that will complement the dish.
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes – Tender and juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized 1-inch cubes, provide a succulent protein base.
- 8 tablespoons 1/2 cup butter – Melt the butter in the pan, contributing a luscious and indulgent flavor to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil imparting a flavorful and slightly crispy exterior to the chicken cubes.
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic or 8 cloves fresh finely chopped – Incorporate minced garlic or finely chopped fresh cloves to infuse the dish with a delightful aromatic essence.
- 8 cups whole milk – Pour in whole milk to produce a creamy and rich base for the sauce adding a luscious, full-bodied quality.
- 2 onions finely minced – The finely minced onions, when sautéed, release their sweet and savory aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 2 green bell peppers chopped – The green bell peppers, when chopped, provide a fresh and slightly tangy crunch, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- 2/3 cup flour – Use flour to create a roux which will serve as the thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it has a smooth and velvety texture.
- 6 teaspoons Cajun seasoning adjust to taste – Sprinkle Cajun seasoning to impart a zesty and slightly spicy Cajun flavor, which can be adjusted according to your desired level of heat.
- 2 red bell peppers chopped – Red bell peppers contribute both vibrant color and a subtly sweet, earthy taste to the mix.
- 3 cups Parmesan cheese – Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese which melts into the sauce, yielding a creamy and cheesy texture while enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- 6 jalapeños sliced – Sliced jalapeños introduce a fiery kick that can be customized by removing the seeds, creating a fiery or milder heat, as preferred.
- 2 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes – Add red chili pepper flakes for a touch of spiciness that can be tailored to your preferred level of heat offering a vibrant and fiery element to the flavor profile.
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken and sauté until fully cooked, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir constantly until it forms a roux.
- Slowly pour in whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add Cajun seasoning to taste, adjusting for desired level of spiciness.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add chopped bell peppers and sliced jalapeños to the sauce, stirring until they begin to soften.
- Add back in the cooked chicken and stir until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Finally, add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and red chili pepper flakes on top according to personal preference.
Notes
• You can use any type of pasta you like for this dish.
• If you want the dish to be spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• If you want the dish to be creamier, you can add more heavy cream.
• If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce instead.
• You can serve the pasta with a side of fresh parsley for added flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 519kcal
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