I don’t know about you, but there are days when I want dinner to feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. This Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s creamy, indulgent, and has just the right kick of Cajun spice to wake up your taste buds, but it’s also straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner after a busy day of juggling work, kids, and everything else.
This dish quickly became a staple in my home because it brings everyone to the table with smiles. The tender chicken coated in Cajun spices pairs beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky sauce that clings to every nook and cranny of the penne pasta. It’s comfort food elevated with bold flavor but still family-friendly.
Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe feels like a little celebration. Plus, it’s flexible enough to customize with what you have, add more spice, toss in your favorite veggies, or swap the chicken for shrimp. The creamy sauce, packed with Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese, is what really makes it shine.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To get this recipe just right, there are a few kitchen essentials that make your life easier and your dish tastier:
- A large pot for boiling pasta. Salting the water well is key to flavorful noodles.
- A large skillet or sauté pan, ideally with a heavy bottom for even cooking when searing chicken and simmering the sauce.
- A whisk to blend the cream, cheese, and broth into a silky smooth sauce.
- A wooden spoon or tongs to gently toss the pasta and chicken in the sauce without breaking the pasta.
- Measuring cups and spoons to keep the seasoning balanced.
With these tools, the process feels smooth and manageable, even when life gets hectic.
What Makes This Recipe Work
Here’s the secret behind this creamy Cajun chicken pasta that you’ll want to know:
- Balanced seasoning: The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika provide a gentle heat and smoky depth, without overwhelming the creamy sauce. It’s enough to make you sit up and take notice, but not so much that picky eaters will turn away.
- Creamy, cheesy sauce: The combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a sauce that’s rich, velvety, and indulgent. The cream cheese adds a luscious smoothness that ties everything together.
- Perfectly cooked pasta: Using penne pasta is brilliant because its ridges and tube shape trap the sauce beautifully, so every bite bursts with flavor.
- Tender, juicy chicken: Tossing the chicken in seasoning before searing gives it a flavorful crust that complements the softness of the sauce and pasta.
- Pasta water magic: Adding reserved pasta water to the sauce if it gets too thick helps loosen it up while preserving the creamy consistency.
All these elements work in harmony to deliver a comforting yet exciting dinner that feels like a treat but comes together quickly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until melted and fully incorporated. Then add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the cheesy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Step 7: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side if you like.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the best parts about this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to fit different tastes or dietary needs without losing that comforting, creamy vibe everyone loves. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Spice it up or tone it down: If your family prefers milder flavors, swap the Cajun seasoning for Italian seasoning or smoked paprika alone. For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Swap the chicken: If you want a change from chicken, try using shrimp or even Italian sausage. Both pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and add their own special flavors.
- Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Add veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by tossing in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini along with the chicken. This boosts the color and adds a fresh element to the dish.
- Use different cheeses: While mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese give a classic creamy texture, you can experiment with sharp cheddar for more bite or provolone for a gooey finish.
These tweaks let you customize the recipe depending on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.
How to Serve
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is definitely a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Here are some simple yet complementary ideas:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks: The buttery crunch is perfect for dipping into that rich sauce, making your meal feel even more indulgent.
- Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta and adds a refreshing balance.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans tossed with a little olive oil and lemon zest make a light, bright side dish.
- Simple sautéed greens: Spinach or kale sautéed with garlic complements the creamy sauce and adds some extra greens for a complete meal.
When it comes to beverages, a sparkling water with lemon or a cold iced tea keeps things fresh without overpowering the flavors. This dish is filling and flavorful enough to stand on its own, so simple sides and drinks work best.
Recipe Tips
Making creamy pasta dishes like this one is easier than it looks, but these tips will help you get it just right every time:
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining. That starchy water is magic for loosening sauces and helping them cling beautifully to your pasta.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is best because the pasta will continue to soak up sauce after mixing.
- When cooking chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if necessary so each piece gets a nice crust instead of steaming.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated versions often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash more cream or reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.
- For meal prep, keep the sauce and pasta separate until reheating. Toss together just before serving to keep the pasta from getting mushy.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess.
Cooking Notes
- Use medium heat to melt cheeses gently. Too high a temperature can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
- Stir constantly when adding cheese to the sauce to ensure smooth melting.
- Make sure your butter and garlic don’t brown or burn; they should be fragrant but pale to keep the sauce silky.
- If cream cheese isn’t available, a little extra Velveeta or Parmesan can help maintain creaminess.
- Salt cautiously. The cheeses and broth add saltiness, so taste before adding extra.
- Fresh herbs added at the end keep their bright flavor and color.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 800 per serving
- Protein: Around 45 grams per serving
- Sodium: Depends on seasoning and broth, roughly 700 mg per serving
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water, then toss in the pasta and chicken to warm through. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy and maintains that creamy texture.
2. Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Yes, definitely! Shrimp works beautifully with this creamy Cajun sauce, just cook it quickly until pink and tender. Italian sausage is another tasty swap that adds a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower instead of meat.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. To help thicken it, you might add a little extra cream cheese or reduce the sauce a bit longer on the stove. Coconut cream is another dairy-free alternative but will add a subtle coconut flavor.
4. How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika give a warm, gentle heat, but nothing too overpowering. If you prefer it milder, reduce the Cajun seasoning or leave out the smoked paprika. For more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers.
Conclusion
When it comes to comforting meals that feel like a warm hug, this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors from the Cajun seasoning that awaken your taste buds without overwhelming. What I love most is how simple and approachable it is to make no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps just good food that comes together in about 30 minutes.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying or for those times when friends or family gather around the table and everyone deserves a meal that feels a little special. The beautiful thing about this recipe is how versatile it is; you can easily adjust the spice level, swap in your favorite veggies, or use whatever cheese you have on hand. It’s a dish that adapts to your kitchen and your cravings.
So, the next time you want a crowd-pleasing, creamy, cheesy pasta dinner with a little Cajun kick, this recipe will be waiting for you. Put on some music, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, and enjoy making something delicious that everyone will love. Because food isn’t just about eating, it’s about creating memories and savoring moments together.
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Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until melted and fully incorporated. Then add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the cheesy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Step 7: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side if you like.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 800
- Sodium: 700
- Protein: 45