Save My husband came home from work one Tuesday evening complaining that he was craving something spicy and creamy, but we were both trying to eat lighter after the holidays. I stood in front of the fridge staring at a pack of chicken breasts and a bell pepper, deciding to improvise with what we had on hand rather than ordering takeout.
That first attempt became a weeknight staple in our house. I remember the kitchen filling with that aromatic blend of Cajun spices and sautéing peppers, my husband peeking over my shoulder every five minutes asking if it was ready yet.
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Ingredients
- Whole wheat penne: The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with Cajun spices and holds up well in the creamy sauce
- Chicken breasts: Slice them against the grain into strips for even cooking and maximum tenderness
- Cajun seasoning blend: You can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if you prefer controlling the heat level
- Reduced-fat cream cheese: This creates the luscious sauce base while keeping things lighter, though it still melts beautifully into the milk
- Bell peppers: Red and yellow peppers add natural sweetness that balances the spicy heat
- Lemon: The zest and juice brighten everything and cut through the richness
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne until just tender. Reserve some starchy pasta water before draining.
- Season the chicken:
- Toss the strips in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
- Soften the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and onions until tender. Add minced garlic for the last minute so it does not burn.
- Build the sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese and milk until smooth. Return chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer together.
- Bring it together:
- Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Add the cooked penne and toss until every piece is coated in sauce.
Save My sister-in-law tried this during a visit and immediately asked for the recipe. She said she could not believe something that tasted this indulgent could fit into her healthy eating plan.
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Making It Your Own
I have experimented with different proteins over the years. Shrimp cooks faster and adds lovely sweetness, while cubed tofu absorbs all those Cajun flavors beautifully if you need a vegetarian option.
Getting The Sauce Right
The key is patience when melting the cream cheese into the milk. Keep whisking over medium-low heat until completely smooth before adding anything else. Any lumps will disappear with persistent stirring.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. I also love steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side for extra vegetables.
- Sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning on individual servings if your family loves heat
- Grate some additional Parmesan over the table for those who want it extra cheesy
- Garlic bread is not traditional but nobody will complain if you serve it alongside
Save Hope this recipe brings as much comfort to your table as it has to ours over the years.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, regular penne works perfectly. Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients, but traditional pasta yields a softer texture familiar to most palates.
- → How spicy is this dish?
Mild to medium heat level. Cajun seasoning provides gentle warmth without overpowering flavors. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred intensity.
- → Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Leftovers keep refrigerated for 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Pasta may absorb additional sauce overnight.
- → What protein substitutes work well?
Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully. Firm tofu absorbs spices nicely. For vegetarian options, use chickpeas or white beans instead.
- → How can I thicken the sauce if too thin?
Simmer longer to reduce. A cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon mixed with cold water) adds body. Adding extra Parmesan also naturally thickens.
