For the Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces or thin strips for quick and even cooking.
• 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning – Provides the signature smoky, savory, and mildly spicy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps seasonings adhere to the chicken and promotes golden browning.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds extra color and mild smoky flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Gives the chicken a deeper savory garlic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle peppery bite.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor; reduce if your Cajun seasoning is already salty.

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces penne pasta – A great choice because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce.
• Salt, for pasta water – Seasons the pasta from the inside as it cooks.

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter – Creates a rich base for the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds fresh, aromatic garlic flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Gives the sauce its rich and creamy consistency.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Loosens the sauce while adding savory depth.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Creates a nutty, salty, and creamy finish.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds complementary herb flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional – Adds extra heat for spice lovers.
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning – Reinforces the Cajun flavor throughout the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds additional seasoning.
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed – Helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.

Optional Finishing Ingredients

• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sliced green onions
• Red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges

Optional Add-Ins

• Sliced bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Baby spinach
• Broccoli florets
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Sweet corn