Description
Turn up the flavor on your next dinner night with this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream—a bold, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make. Perfectly seasoned Cajun chicken is pan-seared to juicy perfection and layered over tender penne pasta coated in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, quick comfort food, or simply delicious pasta recipes, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s rich, savory, just a touch spicy, and guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
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)
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Coat chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Slice the cooked chicken and layer it over the pasta.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce—don’t skip this step.
If your sauce gets too thick, just stir in some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
You can swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1½ cups)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cajun chicken, creamy pasta, comfort food, parmesan sauce, penne recipes