Cajun Chicken Broccoli Pasta Skillet (Printable Version)

Chicken, pasta, broccoli and Cajun spices combine in a creamy skillet for an easy, bold weeknight dinner.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Pasta & Vegetables

04 - 8 ounces penne pasta
05 - 2 cups broccoli florets
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

→ Sauce

09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
15 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain using a colander and set aside.
02 - Toss chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper as needed.
06 - Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to toss everything until evenly coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
07 - Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick prep and cleanup with everything in one pan
  • Packed with big Cajun flavors without being overpowering
  • Balanced blend of protein veggies and pasta for a complete meal
  • Flexible for weeknights yet special enough for guests
02 -
  • High protein dinner keeping you full
  • A real crowd-pleaser even for kids
  • Perfect for prepping ahead or lunches
03 -
  • Do not crowd the chicken or it will steam instead of browning
  • Give the pan space for real caramelization
  • Always add garlic after your onions and peppers to avoid burning
  • Try toasting Cajun seasoning for a few seconds in the pan for extra aroma
  • If the sauce thickens too much simply splash in more broth and heat gently

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