Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne

If you’re craving a comforting dish that packs a punch of bold flavors with a creamy texture, Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with sweet corn and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a luscious, spiced cream sauce and served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

This dish stands out thanks to its vibrant Cajun seasoning that adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the palate. The use of fresh or frozen corn kernels brings a subtle sweetness which balances beautifully against the smoky spices. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and chicken broth, coats every piece of penne and chicken, making each bite irresistibly rich and flavorful. Plus, the diced bell peppers add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that makes this meal as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredient List

• 8 ounces penne pasta – the perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken and vegetables
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced – tender, lean protein
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – the star spice blend that brings all the flavors together
• 1 cup corn kernels – fresh, frozen, or canned, whichever you prefer
• 1 cup heavy cream – creates the rich and velvety sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth – adds depth and moisture to the dish
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced – a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the overall savory profile
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic and spices
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish – adds a bright, herbal finish

Tools of the Trade

• Large pot – to boil the penne pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan – essential for cooking the chicken and sauce
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce gently
• Knife and cutting board – to dice the chicken and vegetables
• Colander – to drain the cooked pasta

How to Prepare Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and corn kernels. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened and the corn is heated through.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Make It Year-Round

• Use frozen corn and bell peppers during winter months for convenience and flavor.
• Swap chicken breast for turkey breast or firm tofu for a different protein option.
• Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach to keep the dish fresh and nutritious.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne rigate or rigatoni for variety.

Notes on Ingredients

The Cajun seasoning is key to this dish’s bold flavor profile. You can use a store-bought blend or create your own using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.

For the corn kernels, fresh is ideal during summer, but frozen or canned work just as well. If using canned, rinse them to reduce excess sodium.

Chicken broth adds savory depth, but if you prefer, vegetable broth is a great alternative to keep it lighter.

The heavy cream ensures a rich and silky sauce, but you can substitute with coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce if you want a dairy-free version.

How to Store & Reheat

This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Quick Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle will work beautifully in this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a medium level of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less seasoning or substituting with a milder blend if preferred.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or add plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh for a satisfying vegetarian version.

What side dishes go well with Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement this creamy pasta dish nicely. For more ideas, try pairing it with the Maple Dijon Sheet Pan Chicken Squash for a wholesome meal.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – a delicious skillet meal bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor.
• Lighter Cheesy Pasta Bake – a comforting baked pasta dish with reduced calories but full flavor.
• Maple Dijon Sheet Pan Chicken Squash – a sweet and savory sheet pan dinner that’s easy to prepare.

Ready, Set, Cook

With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Creamy Cajun Chicken & Corn Penne is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh veggies makes it a wonderful dish to enjoy any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe holds all the comfort and flavor you could hope for. So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and dive into a bowl of rich, satisfying goodness tonight!

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