Sometimes the best meals are those that bring together bold flavors with a creamy, cheesy sauce, wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken. Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Cheesy Cajun Three-Cheese Sauce is one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want dinner that’s indulgent yet straightforward enough for a weeknight.
I still remember the first time I made this dish. The smell of garlic and butter fills the kitchen, the spicy Cajun seasoning gently teasing the senses, and the richness of three different cheeses melting together in a sauce that’s so smooth it feels like velvet. The chicken gets a flavorful Parmesan crust, adding a little crunch and depth, while the penne pasta holds onto every bit of that cheesy, spicy sauce.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it balances bold Cajun spices with the comforting creaminess of a triple cheese blend. It’s both exciting and soothing on the palate. Plus, it comes together in about 30 to 35 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours cooking. Whether it’s a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a cozy meal for yourself, this dish delivers.
Essential Elements and Equipment
Having the right ingredients and tools makes cooking this dish smooth and enjoyable.
- Large pot: For boiling the penne pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, with enough salted water to season the pasta well.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: Used for searing the chicken and preparing the rich, creamy cheese sauce, ideally wide enough to toss pasta and sauce together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips to cook quickly and absorb all the flavors.
- Butter and olive oil: Butter adds richness to the sauce and chicken, while olive oil helps sear the meat evenly without burning.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses both chicken and sauce with a fragrant, savory aroma.
- Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika: These spices add smoky heat and warmth, key to the dish’s bold flavor profile.
- Parmesan cheese: Used for crusting the chicken and enriching the sauce with sharp, nutty flavor.
- Heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar: These ingredients combine into a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
- Italian seasoning and dried basil: Provide herbal notes that balance the richness of the sauce.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- Searing the chicken strips with butter and olive oil creates a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Pressing Parmesan onto the chicken before cooking adds a savory crust and intensifies the cheesy flavor throughout the dish.
- Using three cheeses in the sauce, mozzarella for melt, sharp cheddar for tang, and Parmesan for sharpness, creates a perfectly balanced, creamy sauce.
- Simmering the heavy cream and broth before adding cheeses allows the sauce to thicken gently without curdling.
- The garlic butter infused during cooking amplifies the savory depth and aroma.
- Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring the signature warmth and smoky heat that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Penne pasta’s tube shape traps the sauce inside, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
- Herbs like Italian seasoning, dried basil, and fresh parsley add bright, aromatic notes that balance richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for chicken)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley or extra herbs, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press grated Parmesan cheese onto each piece to create a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Parmesan-coated chicken strips and sear for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: In the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter and half the minced garlic. Stir and spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Whisk in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Gradually add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 8: Season the sauce with dried basil, Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and black pepper to your taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens nicely and the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 9: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat every piece evenly with the rich, cheesy Cajun sauce. Let it sit on low heat for a minute or two so the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 10: Plate the creamy penne and arrange the garlic butter chicken strips over or beside the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of dried herbs, or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese to brighten the dish.
Easy Variations to Try
- Swap the pasta: Try rigatoni, fusilli, or even cavatappi for a fun twist that holds the sauce differently.
- Protein alternatives: Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat or substitute with shrimp or Italian sausage for variety.
- Add veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the garlic to boost nutrition and add texture.
- Adjust the heat: Increase Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicier. Reduce for milder tastes.
- Cheese swaps: Substitute sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or fontina for smoky or nutty notes. Mozzarella can be replaced with provolone for a different melt.
- Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, and swap butter for vegan margarine or oil.
How to Serve
This creamy Cajun chicken penne is wonderfully balanced with fresh and simple sides:
- Light salad: Mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette brighten the meal and cut through the richness.
- Roasted veggies: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add color and crunch.
- Crusty bread: A fresh baguette or garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping in the sauce.
- Fresh tomato salad: Cherry tomatoes with basil and olive oil add acidity and freshness.
- Beverages: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a light citrus soda cleanse the palate beautifully.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; work in batches if necessary for even browning.
- Stir the sauce constantly when adding cheeses to prevent lumps and ensure creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning only after cheeses are fully melted, since they add salt.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
- Add herbs at the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Slice chicken strips evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sauté garlic on medium heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding cheese to avoid separation.
- Stir sauce frequently while melting cheese for a smooth finish.
- Serve immediately for best texture; the sauce thickens over time as pasta absorbs moisture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 860
- Protein: 50 grams
- Fat: 60 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sodium: 950 milligrams
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stove. Cook fresh pasta just before serving for best texture.
What if I don’t have sharp cheddar?
Use any good melting cheese like smoked gouda or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile.
How spicy is the dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate spice level that can be adjusted to your preference by increasing or decreasing the seasoning amount.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach all make great additions that enhance flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Cheesy Cajun Three-Cheese Sauce is one of those recipes that turns an everyday meal into something memorable. The tender, golden chicken coated in garlic butter and Parmesan pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce made from a trio of cheeses. Each bite delivers smoky warmth from the Cajun spices alongside the smooth, indulgent texture of the Alfredo.
What makes this dish so special is its ability to bring comfort without being heavy or complicated. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, yet special enough for guests or family dinners. The pasta holds the sauce beautifully, and the balance of flavors from the savory chicken to the herb-kissed sauce makes every forkful satisfying.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. It’s a perfect way to add a little spice and a lot of flavor to your dinner table with ease. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and comforting experience it brings to your kitchen.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Cheesy Cajun Three-Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for chicken)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley or extra herbs, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press grated Parmesan cheese onto each piece to create a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Parmesan-coated chicken strips and sear for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: In the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter and half the minced garlic. Stir and spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Whisk in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Gradually add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 8: Season the sauce with dried basil, Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and black pepper to your taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens nicely and the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 9: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat every piece evenly with the rich, cheesy Cajun sauce. Let it sit on low heat for a minute or two so the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 10: Plate the creamy penne and arrange the garlic butter chicken strips over or beside the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of dried herbs, or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese to brighten the dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 860
- Sodium: 950
- Protein: 50