This recipe was one of those happy kitchen accidents that turned into a go-to dinner favorite. I was craving something creamy and comforting but also bold and flavorful. I had some chicken breasts, a box of penne, and a few pantry staples, and from that, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce was born. And let me tell you, it’s the kind of meal that makes people think you’ve spent way more time on it than you actually did.
It hits all the right notes: the chicken is juicy and perfectly spiced with Cajun seasoning, the garlic butter brings in warmth and depth, and the Parmesan sauce is smooth, rich, and the ultimate comfort blanket for your pasta. It’s not just a weeknight dinner, it’s something I’ve made for casual guests, lazy weekends, and even those nights when I just needed something soul-satisfying.
This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick, doesn’t require anything fancy, and tastes like pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just feeding yourself after a long day, this pasta is exactly what you want when you need cozy, flavorful food fast. Every bite is garlicky, creamy, just the right amount of spicy, and so satisfying.
Essential Elements and Equipment
This dish is rich, creamy, and layered with flavor, but you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy cookware. It’s all about simple steps and a few pantry staples that work together beautifully.
Here’s what makes this recipe work:
- Cajun seasoning gives the chicken bold flavor and a little heat without overpowering the sauce.
- Garlic butter adds a warm, aromatic base that balances the spice with richness.
- Parmesan cheese creates that classic creamy pasta finish with just the right nutty sharpness.
- Heavy cream and chicken broth combine to make a thick, silky sauce that clings to every piece of penne.
Equipment You’ll Need:
- A large skillet (nonstick or stainless steel)
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A whisk for smoothing out the sauce
- A wooden spoon or tongs for tossing
- A fine grater for the Parmesan
- Measuring cups/spoons
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love pasta that’s creamy, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this recipe will instantly become a favorite. It’s a perfect balance of comfort food and bold flavor, plus it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, even when you’re short on time.
What sets it apart is the layering of flavors. You’ve got the seasoned chicken, pan-seared until golden and juicy. Then there’s the garlic butter, which creates a rich base for the sauce. The Cajun spices add warmth and a tiny bit of kick, not too spicy, just enough to make it exciting. And then the creamy Parmesan sauce brings everything together. Every bite is saucy, cheesy, and full of depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for topping (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually around 9–11 minutes). Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season and sear the chicken
While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken dry and place it in a bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Scrape up any bits left in the pan from the chicken; this adds extra flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Stir the remaining Cajun seasoning left in the pan into the garlic butter. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the cheese and combine
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. Let it sit for a minute or two so the pasta can soak in the flavor.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for different dietary needs or just using what you have in your kitchen, there are plenty of ways to make it your own without sacrificing flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta and swap the Parmesan for a gluten-free alternative (most are naturally GF, but always double-check the label). You’ll still get a rich, cheesy sauce without the gluten.
- Use a different protein: Boneless chicken thighs work just as well and bring even more flavor. You could also try shrimp, just season and cook them separately for 2–3 minutes per side, and stir them in at the end. Crumbled sausage or sliced smoked sausage adds a bold, hearty twist.
- Add vegetables: For a balanced one-pot meal, throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. Add them during the sauce step or stir them in with the pasta. They blend right in and add texture and nutrients.
- Turn down the heat: If you’re serving little ones or spice-sensitive eaters, simply reduce the Cajun seasoning by half or leave out the paprika. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the garlic butter and Parmesan.
The base sauce is so forgiving that even with these changes, the dish still comes together beautifully every time.
How to Serve
This pasta dish is rich, savory, and satisfying all on its own, but you can easily stretch it into a larger meal with a few simple sides or additions.
Serve it family-style: I love serving this straight out of the skillet for a casual, rustic presentation. It keeps the sauce hot and the pasta perfectly coated. Just add a serving spoon and let everyone dig in.
Side dishes that work well:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks: Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Simple green salad: A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli to add color and crunch.
- Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach: Light, quick, and don’t compete with the main flavor.
Garnish options: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color. For even more flavor, add shaved Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes just before serving.
Whether it’s a solo dinner, a casual get-together, or a cozy family meal, this dish fits just about any occasion.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a smoother finish than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just until al dente, it’ll finish softening slightly once tossed with the hot sauce.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking: Giving it a couple of minutes before slicing back into the sauce keeps it juicy.
- Reserve pasta water: Just ¼ to ½ cup can make a huge difference in loosening up your sauce without diluting the flavor.
- Adjust the Cajun to your taste: Spice levels vary from brand to brand, so start small and add more as needed.
- Cream too thick? Add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
- Cheese not melting smoothly? Lower the heat. Cheese sauces separate when overheated.
Little tricks like these are what take a good pasta dish to restaurant-level status, without ever leaving your kitchen.
Cooking Note
A few quick reminders to make sure everything turns out just right:
- Always cook pasta in well-salted water for the best flavor.
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for quicker, uniform cooking.
- Use a wide skillet to give the sauce room to reduce properly.
- Add cheese over low heat to prevent clumping or separation.
- Don’t skip the garlic, it’s essential to the sauce’s depth.
- Stir gently when combining everything to avoid breaking up the chicken.
- Let the sauce sit for a minute before serving so it thickens slightly and clings better to the pasta.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~700 per serving
Protein: ~38g
Sodium: ~850mg (depending on Cajun seasoning and broth used)
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and chicken in advance, and even prepare the sauce ahead. Store each component separately for best results. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and toss with warm pasta and chicken. Add a splash of broth or cream to freshen it up.
2. What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?
That’s totally up to your heat preference! Some blends are spicier than others. If you’re unsure, start with a mild Cajun blend and add extra paprika or cayenne for more kick. Homemade Cajun seasoning works great, too.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Technically, yes, but the texture of cream-based sauces can change once frozen. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with added cream or broth to restore the sauce. For best results, store in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.
Conclusion
Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is one of those recipes that feels like it should take an hour, but it comes together in half the time and tastes like comfort in every bite. From the bold Cajun-spiced chicken to the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, it hits every mark: flavor, texture, and that cozy, satisfying feeling you want at the end of a long day.
What I love most is how flexible it is. You can dress it up with veggies or keep it simple. You can spice it up or tone it down. No matter how you make it, the result is always delicious, and it’s one of those meals people ask for again and again.
So whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just making a treat for yourself, this recipe is here to save dinner (and earn a permanent spot in your recipe box). I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.
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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (usually around 9–11 minutes). Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season and sear the chicken
While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken dry and place it in a bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Scrape up any bits left in the pan from the chicken; this adds extra flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Stir the remaining Cajun seasoning left in the pan into the garlic butter. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the cheese and combine
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. Let it sit for a minute or two so the pasta can soak in the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 700
- Sodium: 850
- Protein: 38