When I think about those meals that make the whole family gather around the table without complaint, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta tops the list. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company but simple and fast enough for a busy weeknight. The spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning, combined with the rich, velvety Parmesan and mozzarella sauce, creates a comforting yet exciting flavor combo that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I remember the first time I made this dish late on a hectic Tuesday, staring at my fridge, hoping to turn a handful of pantry staples and a couple of chicken breasts into something special. This recipe came together in under 30 minutes, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The creamy sauce, spiced-up chicken strips, and tender penne were a perfect match. Since then, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something hearty, cheesy, and just a little bit bold.
What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. The Cajun seasoning can be dialed up or down depending on your heat tolerance, and the cheeses create a luscious, cheesy blanket that wraps the pasta and chicken in pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding friends on a casual night, this pasta is sure to impress.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To make this recipe shine, there are a few essentials you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot for boiling pasta: You’ll need this to cook your penne perfectly al dente. Salt the water well it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Heavy skillet or sauté pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet works best for searing the chicken strips to get that beautiful golden crust while allowing you to build the sauce right after.
- Whisk: This comes in handy for stirring the sauce smoothly after adding the flour and liquids.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Accurate measurements for your seasonings and dairy keep the flavor balanced.
- Tongs or a large spoon: Useful for tossing the pasta and chicken in the sauce to ensure every bite is coated.
- Optional oven-safe dish: If you want to add a broiled cheese topping for extra indulgence.
Having these tools ready will streamline your cooking process and help you get that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor.
What Makes This Recipe Work
Here’s why this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is such a crowd-pleaser and why it’s so dependable every time you make it:
- Perfectly seasoned chicken: The Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder give the chicken strips a smoky, spicy crust that adds an exciting flavor punch without overwhelming the palate.
- Creamy, cheesy sauce: The combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a silky sauce that’s rich but not overly heavy. The Parmesan adds a nutty depth, while the mozzarella brings melty gooeyness.
- Balanced flavors: The garlic sautéed briefly in butter adds warmth and aroma without bitterness, perfectly complementing the spices on the chicken and the cheesy sauce.
- Pasta that holds the sauce: Penne is a fantastic choice because its tube shape traps the creamy sauce inside and around every bite, ensuring a flavorful experience with each forkful.
- Ease and speed: Despite feeling like an indulgent meal, this recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Customizable heat level: You can easily adjust the spice level by tweaking the amount of Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika, catering to both heat lovers and those who prefer a milder dish.
The magic happens by layering these elements carefully, starting with well-seasoned, seared chicken, followed by a sauce that’s built slowly and finished with the cheeses melting into luscious perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking, here’s the full ingredient list for this creamy Cajun chicken pasta:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook it according to package instructions until it’s al dente, firm to the bite but fully cooked. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be helpful later to loosen the sauce if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: While your pasta is cooking, toss the chicken strips in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until they’re fully coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant, be careful not to let it brown or burn. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Turn the heat down to low and add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Add the cooked penne and chicken strips back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Once everything is well mixed and heated through, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, optionally with a little extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to help you make it your own:
- Swap the chicken: If you want a milder flavor or prefer something else, try Italian seasoning instead of Cajun seasoning on the chicken. You can also swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier meat or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to keep the sauce thick and creamy.
- Lighter version: Use whole milk instead of heavy cream or a mix of milk and half-and-half to lighten the sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim mozzarella to cut calories.
- Add more veggies: Stir in some spinach, kale, or even roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrients. They add freshness and balance the richness of the sauce.
- Kick up the heat: If you love spice, toss in some extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You could even add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before mixing in the pasta and chicken.
These simple swaps and additions let you tailor this creamy Cajun chicken pasta exactly to your family’s preferences.
How to Serve
Serving this creamy Cajun chicken pasta feels like bringing a warm hug to the dinner table. Here’s how I like to round out the meal:
- Fresh, crunchy salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or even a Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta. The acidity and crunch refresh the palate between bites.
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette: Nothing beats soaking up every last bit of that luscious garlic Parmesan sauce with warm, toasted garlic bread or a fresh baguette. It’s pure comfort food magic.
- Simple roasted or steamed veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans with a little olive oil and lemon work beautifully alongside. They add color and texture without competing with the pasta.
- No-alcohol beverage pairings: A sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or a cold iced tea complements the meal perfectly, keeping the flavors bright and refreshing.
This pasta is a meal in itself, so you don’t need much else, but these sides help round out the plate with freshness and crunch.
Recipe Tips
To get the best results and make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t skip salting the pasta water: It seasons the pasta internally and enhances the whole dish.
- Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is gold when it comes to adjusting the sauce’s thickness without watering it down.
- Sear chicken properly: High heat and a bit of patience will give you juicy, flavorful chicken with a nice crust.
- Make the roux carefully: Whisk constantly when adding flour to the butter to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Add cheese gradually: Stir cheese in low heat to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
- Keep the sauce warm: Toss pasta and chicken in the sauce just before serving to keep everything creamy and smooth.
Cooking Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor. Pre-minced garlic or garlic powder won’t give you the same depth.
- Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese to keep the sauce silky.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning slowly — the cheese and broth already have salt.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juices.
- For the best texture, don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 780
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 670mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is great because it holds sauce well, but rigatoni, bowtie, or even farfalle work beautifully too. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate spicy kick, but you can dial it back or up. Use less seasoning for a milder flavor, or add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne if you love heat.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and refrigerate them. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit lighter. Adding a bit more cheese helps maintain creaminess.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella is one of those recipes I keep going back to because it perfectly blends comfort, flavor, and ease. It’s rich and indulgent enough to feel like a treat, yet simple and quick enough for busy weeknights. The spicy, smoky chicken layered with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce makes it a dish that satisfies all cravings in one bowl.
It’s a great recipe to have in your rotation, especially when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are accessible, the steps straightforward, and the result is a crowd-pleaser no matter who you’re cooking for.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting friends, this pasta will bring smiles and seconds. So go ahead, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook it according to package instructions until it’s al dente, firm to the bite but fully cooked. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be helpful later to loosen the sauce if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: While your pasta is cooking, toss the chicken strips in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until they’re fully coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant, be careful not to let it brown or burn. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Turn the heat down to low and add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Add the cooked penne and chicken strips back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Once everything is well mixed and heated through, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, optionally with a little extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 780
- Sodium: 670
- Protein: 45