1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining it, then set the pasta aside while you focus on the chicken and sauce.

2. While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to season the chicken. In a large zip-lock bag or bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, along with the salt and pepper until they are evenly coated. The spices infuse intense Cajun flavors into the chicken, essential for your Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta.

3. Next, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken in a single layer. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Afterward, remove the chicken from the skillet, placing it on a plate to rest for a moment.

4. In the very same skillet that you used for the chicken, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add in the diced onion and bell peppers—both red and green. As these vibrant vegetables cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, they’ll soften beautifully and enhance the depth of flavor in your dish. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.

5. Now comes the fun part! Pour in the heavy cream along with the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried basil, and garlic powder into the skillet. Stir everything well, bringing it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice that the mixture transforms into a rich, creamy delight perfect for coating your pasta.

6. Once your sauce is thickened to perfection, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until it melts beautifully into the creamy mixture. If the sauce seems a bit too thick for your liking, this is where that reserved pasta water comes into play—just add a splash and stir.

7. Now, return the seared chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta and diced tomatoes. Toss everything together until each piece of pasta is fully coated in that decadent sauce. You want every bite of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta to be bursting with flavor!

8. When you’re ready to serve, plate the pasta quickly while it’s hot. Garnish with generous sprinkles of freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your culinary creation right away!