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Creamy Southern Penne with Grilled Chicken and Jalapeños shines as true comfort food. Rich cream sauce hugs every noodle while charred chicken and jalapeños deliver smoky depth and just the right kick of heat. This has quickly become our family’s favorite dinner for weeknights and get-togethers alike.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: lets the sauce cling to every bite look for bronze-cut pasta for the best hold
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: stay juicy on the grill pick firm pale pink cuts
- Olive oil: coats the pan and helps get a golden sear rich yellow hue signals freshness
- Salt and pepper: bring out all the flavors use fresh cracked pepper for best taste
- Cajun seasoning: adds a smoky kick try to find one without too much added salt
- Butter: builds a nutty base in the sauce always choose real butter for richer flavor
- Garlic minced: gives subtle bite fresh cloves are essential for depth
- Heavy cream: forms the silky foundation always shake the carton well before pouring
- Parmesan cheese: brings sharp salty notes buy whole wedges and grate yourself
- Cheddar cheese: amps up that Southern feel look for aged cheddar with bold color
- Fresh jalapeños: give bright green heat sliced thin for even spice pick unblemished peppers
- Smoked paprika: adds a soft warmth go for deep red ground paprika
- Fresh parsley: cuts through the richness use flat-leaf parsley for more flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt
Drop in penne and cook until just al dente about ten to twelve minutes so it keeps a slight bite
Drain pasta but do not rinse since a little starch helps the sauce cling - Grill the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry then season both sides with salt pepper and Cajun seasoning
Heat some olive oil in a heavy skillet or grill pan until shimmering
Place chicken in the pan and let sear for four to five minutes per side without moving so deep golden grill marks form
Once cooked transfer to a plate and let it rest at least five minutes so juices settle
Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness - Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pan over gentle heat pour in the rest of the olive oil and butter and melt together until bubbly
Add minced garlic and stir for a full minute until fragrant but not browned
Scatter in the fresh jalapeño slices and cook just until they start to soften about a minute - Make it Creamy:
- Pour in heavy cream making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the skillet
Bring the mixture up to a low simmer so it thickens slightly but does not boil
Add grated Parmesan and cheddar cheese stirring until melted smooth and creamy
Dust in smoked paprika if you like that little extra warmth - Combine Everything:
- Add drained penne and sliced chicken to your creamy sauce
Use tongs to toss everything so the noodles and chicken are glazed in the sauce
Let it heat gently for another couple minutes so flavors meld - Serve:
- Spoon pasta onto warm plates and shower with chopped fresh parsley
If you want extra heat layer on more jalapeño slices just before serving serve hot and enjoy immediately
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Parmesan is my favorite here because its bite balances the cream’s richness so well Every time I grate fresh cheese over steaming bowls at the table the smell reminds me of holiday dinners when every bite felt special
Storage tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta may soak up extra sauce so when reheating gently stir in a splash of milk or cream to restore silkiness. I actually think the flavors deepen with a day’s rest.
Ingredient substitutions
No penne Use rigatoni or fusilli instead because their shapes grab the sauce. Swap chicken for grilled turkey breast or use mushrooms for a vegetarian spin the mushrooms give great texture and soak up the smoky sauce beautifully. If you want a lighter sauce try half milk and half cream.
Serving suggestions
Pile into shallow bowls and garnish with extra herbs and grilled lemon slices for a citrusy zap. I love serving this with garlic bread that can scoop up pools of sauce. For a full Southern meal pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Cultural roots
Pasta tossed in cream sauce has roots in both Italian and Southern American kitchens. By using cheddar and Cajun spice this dish nods to Southern comfort classics like spicy mac and cheese or chicken casserole but with a playful twist from al dente penne and fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How spicy is this pasta dish?
The heat level depends on the number of jalapeños and whether seeds are used. Adjust jalapeños for your spice preference.
- → What cheese works best in the sauce?
A mix of Parmesan and sharp cheddar delivers creamy texture and bold flavor with a Southern touch.
- → Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Yes! Try grilled shrimp, sausage, or even keep it meatless for a vegetarian twist.
- → Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
- → What pasta shapes can be substituted for penne?
Most short pastas like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli work well for holding onto the creamy sauce.