This Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce has become one of my absolute favorites when I want comfort food that feels special but isn’t complicated. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with bold Cajun flavor, all balanced by the mellow garlic butter and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
I remember making this dish on a chilly evening when I craved something hearty and flavorful but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter mixed with the spicy Cajun seasoning as the chicken cooked sent a delicious invitation through the house. Tossing the tender penne pasta in the creamy, cheesy sauce felt like the perfect finale. This recipe quickly became a family favorite and one I turn to when I want dinner that feels like a celebration without the fuss.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night, or even meal prepping for the week, this dish fits beautifully.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To make this recipe shine, here are the must-have tools and ingredients I recommend:
- Large pot: Perfect for boiling your penne pasta to the right tenderness.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: You’ll need a wide pan to sear the chicken properly and build your sauce all in one place.
- Whisk or wooden spoon: Helps you stir the sauce smoothly and melt the cheeses evenly.
- Tongs or pasta fork: For tossing the pasta and coating it well with sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: To chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
On the ingredient front, the blend of heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan is the heart of the sauce. The Cajun seasoning and garlic butter add boldness and warmth, making it a perfect balance of creamy richness and spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of spice and creaminess: The Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes give the dish a subtle but satisfying heat that’s balanced by the rich garlic butter sauce.
- Cheesy comfort food: Mozzarella and Parmesan melt into a sauce that’s both gooey and full of flavor, perfect for coating the penne pasta.
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in about 35 minutes, ideal for weeknights or when you want a no-fuss meal that feels indulgent.
- Family-friendly: This recipe is loved by both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the spice level or add veggies for extra nutrition and color.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (add more to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for a few minutes to develop a golden crust. Then stir occasionally, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes.
Step 4: In the last minute of cooking, add half the minced garlic. Stir to combine and let the garlic release its aroma without burning. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
Step 7: Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
To serve, plate the creamy Cajun penne on one side and arrange the seared chicken on the other. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for color and flavor.
Easy Variations to Try
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to customize it:
- Protein options: Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu to suit your preference.
- Add vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for color and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add more crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Gluten-free pasta: Choose gluten-free penne if needed, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano can be swapped in for the Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.
How to Serve
This creamy, spicy pasta dish pairs well with lighter, fresh sides that balance the richness:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch.
- Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli bring freshness and color.
- Warm garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- A simple fruit salad or sliced citrus can provide a refreshing finish to the meal.
For drinks, sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea works wonderfully, keeping the palate refreshed without competing with the bold flavors.
Recipe Tips
- Prep garlic and chicken before you start cooking to keep the process smooth.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to get that beautiful golden crust.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste.
- Stir cheese sauces frequently to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth melt.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness gently.
- Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as cheeses add saltiness.
- Serve the dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Cooking Notes
- Cook pasta al dente for the best texture with the sauce.
- Garlic should be cooked just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Melt cheeses slowly and stir often for a smooth sauce.
- Simmer gently to thicken without curdling.
- Toss pasta off the heat to prevent overcooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 995
- Protein: 60g
- Fat: 65g
- Saturated Fat: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. They might take a little longer to cook, but work perfectly with this recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spice depends on how much Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes you use. It has a mild to moderate kick by default, but can be adjusted to your taste.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I freeze this dish?
Because of the cream and cheese, freezing can change the texture and cause separation. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Conclusion
Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce is a go-to meal for anyone craving creamy, cheesy comfort with a little bit of a spicy twist. The tender chicken, seared to golden perfection, pairs wonderfully with a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with garlic and melty mozzarella and Parmesan. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of warmth and complexity to keep the flavors interesting without overwhelming the dish.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to pull together while still delivering impressive, restaurant-quality flavor. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying or for entertaining friends and family. The pasta shape is ideal for capturing the creamy sauce, making every bite comforting and delicious.
This dish is flexible too. You can swap proteins, add vegetables, or adjust the spice level to fit your taste and dietary needs. And if you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
If you love creamy pasta dishes with a little kick and lots of cheesy goodness, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Here’s to delicious meals that bring warmth and comfort to your table.
Print
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (add more to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for a few minutes to develop a golden crust. Then stir occasionally, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes.
Step 4: In the last minute of cooking, add half the minced garlic. Stir to combine and let the garlic release its aroma without burning. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
Step 7: Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 995
- Sodium: 840
- Fat: 65
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 60