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a steaming plate of spicy creamy Cajun penne with a reddish-orange sauce and charred chicken pieces, sprinkled with green onion, in a wide horizontal shot on a dark slate surface, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spicy Creamy Cajun Pasta

This is a cream sauce with an extra bold, and fiery attitude with a daring amount of cayenne and hot sauce for the serious spice lovers. It clings to every noodle.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken thighs cubed
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 12 oz penne
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan grated

Method
 

  1. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning and cayenne.
  2. Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, then remove.
  3. Cook the penne in salted water until al dente and drain.
  4. In the same skillet, stir together the heavy cream, tomato sauce, and hot sauce; simmer 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan until melted, then return the chicken and pasta and toss to coat.

Notes

Start with half the cayenne if you're spice-shy; you can always add more.