Some of my favorite meals come from a place of both comfort and chaos, like those late-week nights when I stare at the fridge, hoping for inspiration, and end up pulling out a few basic staples: chicken, pasta, cream, and cheese. That’s exactly how this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne with Garlic Parmesan Sauce was born.
It was a Thursday night, I had just wrapped up a long day juggling work and dinner duties, and I needed something fast, filling, and a little indulgent. What came together in my skillet was beyond what I expected: tender, golden bites of Cajun-spiced chicken tossed with penne pasta and smothered in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce with just enough heat to make it interesting. My husband asked for seconds, and even my picky-eating daughter asked if we could make this again on the weekend.
This dish hits the sweet spot between easy and restaurant-worthy. It’s great for cozy family dinners, but also perfect when you want something that feels a bit more elevated for guests. It’s a one-skillet wonder that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and I’m genuinely excited to share it with you.
Essential Elements
- A bold Cajun spice blend gives the chicken a flavorful crust without overwhelming the dish.
- The sauce is rich, creamy, and layered with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of mozzarella for extra stretch.
- Pantry staples like canned tomatoes and chicken broth build a well-rounded base.
- One-skillet preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy Cajun chicken penne delivers the perfect blend of bold flavors and indulgent texture. Here’s why this recipe might just become your new weeknight hero:
- Full of flavor: Between the Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan, every bite is packed with savory goodness. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a subtle kick that plays perfectly with the creaminess.
- Family-friendly: It’s mild enough for kids (you can always skip the red pepper flakes), but interesting enough for adults. The balance of creamy and spicy is just right.
- One-skillet convenience: Aside from boiling the pasta, the entire dish comes together in one pan, which means less mess and more time enjoying dinner.
- Customizable: This dish is perfect as-is, but it also welcomes additions like spinach, mushrooms (if you’re into them), or even shrimp if you’re feeding seafood lovers.
- Comfort food, but elevated: It’s creamy and hearty without being overly heavy. Think cozy pasta night, but with a little Southern attitude.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken and pasta:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s ready, cook the penne pasta until al dente just tender with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. If you want a creamier sauce later, save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken and season it well. Toss the bite-sized pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The spices will give the chicken a bold, smoky kick that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken in an even layer. Let it sear without moving it too much so you get a nice golden crust. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, don’t wipe it out; those browned bits add flavor and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
Step 5: Now it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the whole can of diced tomatoes with chilies (juice and all). Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Once the sauce is bubbling slightly, lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If it thickens too much, that reserved pasta water will come in handy to loosen it up.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the pasta and chicken get fully coated in that dreamy Cajun cream sauce.
Step 8: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and, if you like a bit of extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it up warm and maybe with a piece of crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken and pasta:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s ready, cook the penne pasta until al dente just tender with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. If you want a creamier sauce later, save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken and season it well. Toss the bite-sized pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The spices will give the chicken a bold, smoky kick that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken in an even layer. Let it sear without moving it too much so you get a nice golden crust. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, don’t wipe it out; those browned bits add flavor and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
Step 5: Now it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the whole can of diced tomatoes with chilies (juice and all). Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Once the sauce is bubbling slightly, lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If it thickens too much, that reserved pasta water will come in handy to loosen it up.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the pasta and chicken get fully coated in that dreamy Cajun cream sauce.
Step 8: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and, if you like a bit of extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it up warm and maybe with a piece of crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 740
- Sodium: 670
- Protein: 42
Variations
If you’re the kind of cook who likes to tweak recipes or make them your own, this dish is a dream to work with. It’s rich in flavor but totally adaptable. Here are a few ways to play with it:
- Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap out the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many stores carry great chickpea, rice, or lentil-based penne options that hold up well in creamy sauces.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add roasted veggies instead, think bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. A handful of spinach stirred in at the end works beautifully, too.
- Lower Fat Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and go easy on the cheese. You’ll still get a luscious texture, just a bit lighter.
- Add Heat: If you’re a spice lover, add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to the sauce. Blackened seasoning or chipotle powder also works great for an extra smoky kick.
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. You can keep it classic or give it a personal twist depending on what’s in your pantry or who you’re cooking for.
How to Serve
This dish is indulgent and filling all on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out or make it part of a larger meal, here are a few ideas:
- With Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up that creamy sauce. It’s hard to resist.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Try arugula, romaine, or even a simple cucumber-tomato mix.
- Veggie Sides: Roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or grilled asparagus make for great pairings. The freshness adds a welcome contrast to the creamy, spicy pasta.
- Beverages: I like serving this with something light and refreshing, such as sparkling water with lemon, or an iced herbal tea.
Whether it’s served up family-style or plated individually with a garnish of parsley, this dish brings comfort and flavor to the table.
Recipe Tips
Making this dish is simple, but a few thoughtful tips can really help elevate your results:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Browning the chicken on medium-high heat seals in flavor, but be sure to remove it once it’s cooked through to avoid dryness.
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and gives a smoother sauce than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water can help adjust the thickness of the sauce without diluting the flavor.
- Cook pasta just al dente: It will absorb a little more flavor from the sauce if it’s not too soft.
- Garnish just before serving: Fresh parsley adds color and a touch of brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
These little adjustments don’t take much effort, but they make the meal feel extra special.
Cooking Note
- Always taste the sauce before serving. Parmesan can vary in saltiness, and your Cajun seasoning might already include salt.
- If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, add a splash of cream or pasta water and stir gently over low heat to loosen it.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic. It’s the heart of this dish and adds that unmistakable warmth.
- You can use rotisserie chicken in a pinch, just toss it in the Cajun spice mix before heating it through in the skillet.
Nutritional Information (per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 740
- Protein: 42g
- Sodium: 670mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the chicken and even cook the pasta in advance. The sauce can be made ahead, then reheated gently over low heat when you’re ready to serve. If the sauce thickens, just add a bit of milk or broth to bring it back to life.
2. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For dairy-free options, full-fat coconut milk can work, though it will change the flavor slightly.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce from drying out. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream base, but it reheats beautifully for lunches and quick dinners.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne with Garlic Parmesan Sauce has earned its spot in my regular dinner rotation, and for good reason. It brings comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of spice to the table with very little effort. It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to make, but comes together in about 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a family, a date night in, or even meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe checks all the boxes. And the best part? It’s so versatile, you can tweak it a dozen ways without losing the soul of the dish.
I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do in my home. If you do, I’d love to hear how it went Feel free to leave a comment or share your version. And if you’re hungry for more cozy, creamy, flavor-packed recipes, be sure to check out the rest of the pasta dishes on the site.
Happy cooking!