@brighteyes847: Chicken Penne-COOKING WITH BRIGHT EYES Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne with Southern Comfort and a Spicy Kick Recipe -COOKING WITH BRIGHT EYES Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons butter 1½ cups heavy cream ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 tablespoon cream cheese 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving Directions: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, but do not allow it to boil rapidly. Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir until all the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and stir. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let everything simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors come together. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra crushed red pepper flakes. Serve warm with additional Parmesan if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: Approximately 620 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

BrightEyes

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Monday 19 October 2026 13:13:40 GMT