Name: Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

I’m a total sucker for creamy pasta dishes, and when I say this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream is addictive—I mean it. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. The combination of spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and melty cheese coating every twist of penne is nothing short of indulgent. Whether I’m cooking for friends or just treating myself to a weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

What I love most is how it strikes that perfect balance between heat and creaminess. The Cajun spices wake everything up, while the creamy garlic parmesan sauce smooths things out with a luscious, savory finish. If you’re craving something hearty, bold, and packed with flavor—this is the pasta recipe to make tonight.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Big Flavor: The bold Cajun spices bring smoky heat that contrasts beautifully with the smooth parmesan cream sauce.
Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese and cream combine into a velvety coating that clings to every penne noodle.
Comfort Food Upgrade: It’s your favorite comfort food, but with a spicy twist and more depth of flavor.
Easy to Make: Despite tasting like something from a restaurant, it comes together easily in your own kitchen.
Perfect for Guests or Meal Prep: Serve it up at a dinner party, or pack it for weekday lunches—either way, it’s a winner.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for this dish—they cook quickly, absorb the Cajun seasoning well, and slice beautifully over the creamy pasta. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs are also a fantastic option. They’re juicier and a bit more forgiving if you tend to overcook chicken. Whichever you choose, just make sure the chicken is well-coated in the seasoning blend to carry that bold Cajun flavor through every bite.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re dealing with dietary restrictions or just want to switch things up, this dish is surprisingly flexible. Here are a few ideas:

Pasta Type: Penne is perfect for holding onto the sauce, but feel free to use rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream and cheese substitutes to make this dairy-free. Coconut cream works well, and there are great vegan parmesans available now.
Protein Swap: Shrimp is an amazing substitute for chicken in this dish—just season it with Cajun spices and sauté quickly. Tofu works too for a vegetarian version.
Lighter Option: Want a lighter take? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and go easy on the cheese without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun spice blend is gluten-free too.

Ingredients for Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Penne Pasta
The sturdy shape of penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
They’re the perfect canvas for Cajun seasoning, cook quickly, and slice neatly over the pasta.
Cajun Seasoning
This spice blend brings the smoky heat and depth that makes the dish pop. Make your own or use a good store-bought mix.
Olive Oil
Used for cooking the chicken, it helps develop that golden, flavorful crust while locking in moisture.
Butter
Adds richness to the base of the sauce and balances out the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
Garlic (minced)
The essential aromatic—fresh garlic elevates the sauce with warm, savory depth.
Heavy Cream
Forms the backbone of the garlic parmesan cream. It creates the luxurious, silky texture we’re after.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Nutty, salty, and sharp—it melts right into the cream to create a beautifully thick sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
For that stretchy, melty element that makes the dish so comforting.
Salt & Black Pepper
Simple seasonings that help balance and enhance all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional)
Sprinkled on top for a fresh, colorful finish that cuts through the richness a bit.

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Whisk in the grated parmesan until fully melted and incorporated. Then stir in the shredded mozzarella until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Slice and Add the Chicken

Slice the rested chicken breasts and lay them over the cheesy pasta. For extra flavor, you can also toss some slices directly into the pasta.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, spicy, creamy bite.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

This dish comes together faster than you’d expect. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pasta: About 10 minutes to cook penne to al dente.
Chicken: 8–10 minutes total, depending on thickness (4–5 minutes per side).
Sauce: 5–7 minutes to simmer and melt the cheeses into a smooth cream.
Assembly: 2–3 minutes to toss everything together and finish.

Total time: Around 25–30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken

Pound Your Chicken Evenly: For consistent cooking, lightly pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
Don’t Skimp on the Seasoning: Cajun spices are key to the flavor. Coat the chicken generously for maximum taste.
Fresh Parmesan Is Worth It: Pre-shredded cheese can be waxy and doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated parmesan creates a creamier, silkier sauce.
Use Pasta Water Wisely: If your sauce thickens too much while tossing, a little reserved pasta water helps bring it back to life without diluting the flavor.
Rest the Chicken Before Slicing: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and avoid dryness.
Add Heat (Optional): Want it spicier? A pinch of red pepper flakes or an extra shake of Cajun seasoning in the sauce does the trick.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a delicious recipe like this one can go sideways with a few missteps. Keep an eye out for these common mistakes:

Overcooking the Chicken: Cajun spices can make it hard to visually gauge doneness. Use a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C is ideal) or slice to check.
Letting the Garlic Burn: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter. Only sauté it for about 30 seconds before adding cream.
Using Pre-shredded Cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly and may give your sauce a grainy texture. Go for fresh blocks and grate them yourself.
Skipping the Pasta Water: It might seem unnecessary, but it helps make the sauce cling to the pasta and keeps everything creamy.
Adding Cheese Too Fast: Melt cheeses gradually and on medium heat to avoid a greasy or separated sauce.

What to Serve With Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream?

This rich, spicy, creamy pasta pairs best with something fresh, light, or crunchy to balance the meal.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly.

Warm Garlic Bread

Golden, crispy garlic bread is ideal for scooping up extra sauce on the plate.

Roasted Broccoli

Lightly charred broccoli adds color, crunch, and a healthy twist to round out the meal.

Cherry Tomato Caprese

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil dressed with olive oil offer a refreshing contrast.

Steamed Green Beans with Garlic

Simple but elegant, these green beans add freshness and lightness to the plate.

Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing, romaine crunch, and croutons make a great pairing with this pasta.

A Glass of White Wine

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, spicy notes.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed!), this dish stores quite well with just a few precautions:

Refrigerator: Store the cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It reheats nicely in the microwave or on the stove.
Freezer: Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, but if needed, you can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth when reheating to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir often to prevent separation.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: These are estimates based on typical ingredients and standard portions.

Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (~1 ½ cups)
Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g
Cholesterol: ~130mg
Sodium: ~900mg

This dish is hearty and satisfying—definitely more of a treat-yourself meal than a light one. But it’s protein-rich and filling enough to serve as a complete dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then store them separately from the pasta. Reheat gently and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Use a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. The microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick depending on your Cajun seasoning. To reduce spice, use less seasoning or choose a mild blend. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. If you’re going lighter, consider half-and-half as a better substitute.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Just use gluten-free penne and make sure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What cheese is best for the sauce?

Freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella melt beautifully into the cream sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese—it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely. If you have cooked chicken on hand, slice it up, season it lightly with Cajun spices, and warm it before adding to the pasta and sauce.

What can I add to bulk it up?

Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. You can also double the chicken for more protein.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream is everything you want in a comforting, flavor-packed dinner. It’s rich, cheesy, perfectly spiced, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or just craving something indulgent on a Tuesday, this pasta hits the spot every single time.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen—bold, creamy, and unforgettable. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.