Creamy Chicken Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 -
2 cups milk or half-and-half
03 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
04 -
1 lb penne pasta
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
07 -
1 green bell pepper, sliced
08 -
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
09 -
1/2 red onion, sliced
10 -
4 tbsp butter
11 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
1/2 tsp salt
14 -
1 red bell pepper, sliced
15 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
16 -
2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (remove seeds if you want it milder)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a big pot of salty, bubbling water, cook the penne until it's just tender. Check the package for timing. Drain it, then put it aside.
02 -
As the pasta cooks, sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken pieces. Heat up a skillet with 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it's golden and done (about 5-7 minutes). Move it to a plate.
03 -
In the same pan, pour in the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Toss in the onion, peppers, garlic, and jalapeños. Stir them around until they're soft but still a bit crunchy, about 5 minutes. Then take them out.
04 -
Use the same pan and melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and let it cook for a minute or two. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Keep stirring so it stays smooth.
05 -
Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, which takes 2-3 minutes. Add in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and silky.
06 -
Toss the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and sautéed veggies into the sauce. Gently mix until every bite is covered in that creamy goodness.
07 -
Dish it out warm and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Taste all the spicy, cheesy flavors together!
# Notes:
01 -
Dial the heat up or down by adjusting jalapeños, or swap for something milder like poblano peppers.
02 -
Try mixing Parmesan with Asiago or Romano cheese for a richer, cheesier twist.
03 -
A small splash of white wine or chicken broth can take the sauce to another level.
04 -
Swap chicken for shrimp to change things up with seafood!