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📋 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons garlic butter, divided
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
1 pound penne pasta
6 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons flour
4 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
👩🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of garlic butter. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
2️⃣ Boil the Pasta:
Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
4️⃣ Add the Cheeses:
Simmer the sauce for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5️⃣ Combine Everything:
Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of garlic butter for extra flavor.
6️⃣ Serve:
Plate the creamy cheddar Parmesan penne and top with juicy Cajun chicken. Serve hot and enjoy the buttery, cheesy goodness!
⏱ Preparation time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cooking time: 20 minutes
⏱ Total time: 30 minutes
🔥 Calories: ~750 kcal per serving
🍽 Servings: 6