Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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I still remember the first time I made this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce — it was a cold night, and I wanted something cozy, rich, and deeply satisfying. The spicy kick of the Cajun seasoning, the juicy golden-seared chicken, and that creamy, cheesy penne loaded with flavor — it was everything I wanted in a dinner plate. Since then, it has become one of those go-to comfort meals I whip up whenever I crave something indulgent but not overly complicated.

What I love about this dish is how balanced it is. The bold Cajun spice rub is mellowed by the luscious garlic-parmesan sauce, and the pasta pulls it all together into a dish that feels like a hug in every bite. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that impresses — great for family meals, date nights, or just treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Big, bold flavors from Cajun spices paired with creamy parmesan richness.
• Quick and weeknight-friendly — ready in under 45 minutes.
• Versatile and customizable — you can dial up the heat or lighten the sauce.
• A complete meal in one skillet: protein, carbs, and creamy sauce all together.
• Crowd-pleasing and comforting — perfect for feeding a hungry family or guests.

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What Type of Chicken Should I Use for Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my usual pick for this dish — they cook quickly and soak up all the buttery Cajun flavor beautifully. That said, chicken thighs work just as well if you prefer darker meat. They stay juicy and give the dish a slightly richer taste. Just make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks so each piece gets that golden sear and carries the seasoning well.

If you’re looking to save time, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips can be used in a pinch. However, nothing beats the flavor of freshly seared chicken in garlic butter — it’s what gives the dish its unforgettable aroma and savory depth.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is how flexible it is. Here are a few simple swaps to suit your needs:

• Pasta: Don’t have penne? Try rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine. Any shape that holds sauce well will do.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk with nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and parmesan.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted mushrooms or sautéed zucchini for a meaty texture without the meat.
• Low-Carb: Swap the penne for zucchini noodles or low-carb pasta alternatives.
• Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have a Cajun spice mix, make a quick blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

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Ingredients for Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of bold, creamy, and comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken Breast (or Thighs): The star of the dish, providing hearty protein and a perfect surface for searing with Cajun spices.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers smoky heat, savory depth, and bold Southern flair that defines the dish.
• Garlic (freshly minced): Infuses the butter and sauce with rich, aromatic warmth that ties everything together.
• Unsalted Butter: Used for both searing the chicken and starting the base of the creamy sauce. Adds a velvety richness.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the luxurious base of the sauce, thick and creamy without being too heavy.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty sharpness to the sauce and helps it thicken naturally.
• Penne Pasta: A perfect shape for holding onto the thick, cheesy sauce — each bite gets coated.
• Olive Oil: Used alongside butter for searing the chicken to give it a golden, slightly crispy crust.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances flavor and balances the heat of the Cajun spice.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped): Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color at the end.
• Chicken Broth (optional): Can be used to thin out the sauce slightly without sacrificing flavor.

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss them in Cajun seasoning, salt, and a bit of olive oil until well coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and a tablespoon of butter, then sear the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through — about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

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Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Base

Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Add the grated parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water or chicken broth.

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Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the drained penne to the sauce and toss until well coated. Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to soak up the flavors.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy — trust me, it’s irresistible right out of the pan.

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How Long to Cook Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly, making it great for weeknight dinners. Here’s a simple time breakdown:

• Searing the Chicken: 5–7 minutes
• Cooking the Pasta: 10–12 minutes (can be done while the chicken cooks)
• Making the Sauce: 5–6 minutes
• Combining and Finishing: 2–3 minutes

Total Time: Around 30–35 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and searing — this helps you get that beautiful golden crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken. Work in batches if needed to keep the heat high and avoid steaming.
• Use freshly grated parmesan — it melts smoother and doesn’t clump like pre-shredded cheese.
• Simmer the cream gently to prevent curdling or separating. Low and slow is key when building the sauce.
• Cook the pasta just to al dente, since it will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits.
• Taste and adjust — depending on the Cajun seasoning you use, you might want to add more or less salt.
• Add pasta water if needed — it’s starchy and helps emulsify the sauce if it gets too thick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a straightforward recipe like this one, a few common missteps can take it from wow to just okay. Here’s what to watch for:

• Overcooking the chicken: It’s easy to go from juicy to dry if you leave it in the pan too long. Once it’s golden and no longer pink inside, take it out.
• Using low-quality parmesan: Pre-grated or powdered cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Go for fresh, real parmesan.
• Boiling the cream too hard: If your heat is too high, the cream can break or separate. Keep the simmer gentle.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Cajun blends vary in salt and spice — taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
• Letting the pasta sit too long in the sauce before serving: The pasta will keep absorbing the sauce, making it too thick or dry. Serve right away or add a splash of reserved pasta water.

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What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate sidekick. Toasted and buttery with a hint of garlic — perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp romaine or arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Roast broccoli with a little olive oil, garlic, and parmesan for a crunchy, cheesy bite.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a cool, refreshing contrast.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

For a cooling effect, especially if you like your Cajun chicken extra spicy.

Lemon Roasted Asparagus

The citrusy zing cuts through the creamy sauce and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Sparkling Water with Lime

Pairing a mildly oaky wine or citrusy sparkling drink complements the creamy and spicy flavors beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne stores well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, but keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate when thawed. If you do freeze, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best texture.
• Reheating Tip: Always reheat slowly over medium heat to preserve the creaminess. Stir often and avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from breaking.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 39g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 155mg

Note: Values may vary depending on brands of ingredients and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick homemade version using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the components (chicken, sauce, and pasta) separately, then combine and heat just before serving.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a noticeable kick, but it’s not overpowering. You can adjust the heat by using less Cajun seasoning or adding a touch of cream to tone it down.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Technically yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk is better than skim, and you may need to thicken the sauce with a bit of flour or cornstarch.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk, reduce the butter slightly, and use whole wheat or low-carb pasta.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can all be sautéed and added into the sauce for extra nutrition and color.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you go easy on the Cajun spice. Kids usually love the creamy pasta and cheesy flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but freshly cooked chicken will have better flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked, just warm it through in the sauce toward the end.

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Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the kind of dish that brings comfort, bold flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your table — all in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re craving a weeknight treat or planning a cozy dinner for loved ones, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.

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