Description
A flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta dish made creamy with Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese, sautéed bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned chicken strips. This quick and comforting meal combines a spicy Cajun kick with a rich, cheesy sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Poultry
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5.2 ounces Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, bell peppers, and red onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium and add the Boursin cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken if desired.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
