Description
Spice up your weeknight dinner with this bold and creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce. Juicy chicken, tossed in a smoky Cajun rub and pan-seared to perfection, is folded into buttery garlic cream sauce and al dente penne pasta. This easy dinner idea delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals, indulgent weekend treats, or reliable comfort food. If you’re searching for food ideas that combine creamy textures, savory heat, and quick cooking times, this easy recipe has your cravings covered. Great for both dinner ideas and next-day leftovers!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 ounces penne pasta
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. Season with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In a large pot, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan and cook until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the chicken back in and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth and creamy sauce.
Don’t let the cream boil hard — keep the heat gentle to avoid breaking the sauce.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta, chicken, cajun, creamy, comfort food