Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly rich — this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is one of those dishes I keep coming back to. There’s just something about the way the heat from the Cajun seasoning melts into the velvety mozzarella-garlic sauce that keeps my fork going back for more. I remember the first time I made it — it was meant to be a quick weeknight dinner, but it turned into a meal that everyone raved about and requested again the very next day.

What I love most is how easily this dish balances bold flavor with comfort. The chicken is juicy with a smoky crust, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the sauce? Oh, the sauce — creamy, garlicky, and cheesy with just the right touch of spice. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being fussy. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This pasta dish delivers everything you could want: bold Cajun flavor, tender seared chicken, and a silky, cheesy garlic sauce that clings to every bite of penne. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but it tastes like a restaurant-quality dinner. If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and absolutely satisfying, this recipe checks every box.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta?

For this dish, I almost always go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re easy to cook, soak up the Cajun spices beautifully, and slice up perfectly over the pasta. If you prefer a juicier, richer bite, boneless chicken thighs are also a fantastic option. Just make sure to sear them until the edges are nicely charred—that crispy coating carries a ton of flavor into every forkful.

You can even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time, though you’ll lose a bit of that fresh sear and Cajun crust. Just toss the shredded chicken in Cajun seasoning and give it a quick sear in a hot skillet with a bit of butter to liven it up.

Options for Substitutions

Pasta: Penne works great here because it grabs onto the sauce, but feel free to swap it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or even rotini. Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta are easy alternatives too.

Cheese: Mozzarella brings that gooey, stretchy texture, but you can mix in some Parmesan or Monterey Jack if you want more depth or bite in the sauce.

Cream: Heavy cream gives the richest result, but you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought blends work fine, but if you’re avoiding salt or additives, whip up your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

Protein: Not feeling chicken? Try shrimp, salmon, or even a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.

Ingredients for This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
These are the main protein of the dish. They sear beautifully and hold onto the Cajun spices, delivering that smoky, bold flavor in every bite.

Penne Pasta
Penne is the ideal shape to catch all the rich, creamy sauce. It also holds its shape well and cooks up quickly.

Cajun Seasoning
This is where all the heat and smoky depth comes from. It coats the chicken and also infuses the sauce, tying everything together.

Olive Oil & Butter
Used for searing the chicken and building flavor in the sauce. Butter, especially, adds richness to the garlic base.

Garlic (Minced)
Garlic brings warmth and depth to the sauce—absolutely essential in pairing with the mozzarella for that rich, aromatic base.

Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy. It also balances the heat from the Cajun seasoning.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Melts into the cream to create a stretchy, gooey sauce that coats the pasta like a dream.

Parmesan Cheese (Optional but recommended)
Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that balances the creamy mozzarella beautifully.

Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and a touch of brightness to finish the dish.

Salt & Black Pepper
Seasoning is key, especially when balancing the heat of Cajun spices with the creamy base.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat both sides generously with Cajun seasoning. Press it into the surface so it forms a flavorful crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden-brown with crispy edges. Remove and let rest.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add a touch more butter if needed, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift up all those flavorful browned bits.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Once the cream is gently simmering, slowly add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

Step 7: Slice and Serve the Chicken

Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Serve the creamy penne on a plate and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning if desired.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

The entire dish comes together in about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish. Here’s the breakdown:

Chicken searing: 10–12 minutes
Pasta boiling: 8–10 minutes (can be done while chicken cooks)
Sauce prep and assembly: 10–12 minutes
Final simmer and plating: 2–3 minutes

It’s a perfect balance of quick prep with impressive results—ideal for busy nights when you still want something bold and satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Use freshly shredded cheese.
Pre-shredded mozzarella contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly shredded melts better and gives a silkier finish.

Don’t overcook the chicken.
Cajun seasoning can burn quickly due to its spices, so make sure the pan is hot, but not smoking, and keep a close eye. Rest the chicken before slicing to lock in juices.

Salt your pasta water.
It’s the only chance you get to season the pasta itself. The difference in flavor is huge.

Reserve pasta water.
That starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting the consistency of the sauce without thinning the flavor.

Taste as you go.
Depending on your Cajun blend, the heat and saltiness will vary. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or a dash of cream as needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using cold chicken straight from the fridge
Let the chicken sit out for 15–20 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken cooks unevenly and may stay raw in the center while the outside overcooks.

Skipping the pasta water
This liquid gold is essential for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta. Don’t drain it all—save at least ½ cup.

Adding cheese too quickly
Dumping all the cheese in at once can cause it to clump. Add it gradually, stirring in a handful at a time so it melts smoothly.

Overcooking the pasta
Go for al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce and absorb more flavor that way.

Not seasoning in layers
Season the chicken, taste the sauce, and adjust the salt at every step. Relying only on the Cajun mix can leave you under or over-seasoned.

Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken
This traps steam and prevents a good crust from forming. If you’re doubling the recipe, sear the chicken in batches.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce. It’s a classic pairing with any creamy pasta.

Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans

The freshness of green vegetables balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Simple Garden Salad

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness and a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized flavor complements the smokiness of the Cajun spices.

Corn on the Cob

A buttery, slightly sweet side that plays well with the spice and creaminess of the pasta.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled veggies add a touch of char that pairs nicely with the bold seasoning.

Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water with Lemon

Balance the heat and richness with something light and refreshing to sip alongside.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this pasta stores really well. Allow everything to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but be aware that creamy sauces may separate when thawed. If you do, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months, and reheat slowly while stirring.
Reheating Tip: Avoid microwaving at full power — go in 30-second intervals and stir in between to keep the sauce smooth.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 640
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Serving Size: 1 plate of pasta with sliced chicken
Diet Category: High Protein, Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! Shrimp works beautifully in this dish. Just season it with Cajun spice and cook it for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

What if my sauce turns out too thick?

No worries—just add a bit of reserved pasta water or a splash of cream and stir until the sauce loosens up to your liking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh before serving. Reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to medium kick, depending on your Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by using less seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half as a compromise.

How do I avoid rubbery chicken?

Don’t overcook it. Sear the chicken just until it’s cooked through (internal temp of 165°F), then let it rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or even tofu for a plant-based version.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

Use a skillet on medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving at full power to keep the sauce smooth.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce isn’t just another weeknight dinner—it’s a comfort food upgrade that hits all the right notes. From its bold spice to that creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, it’s the kind of meal you’ll crave after just one bite. Whether you’re cooking for two or serving a hungry table, this dish delivers satisfaction with zero fuss and all the flavor. Add it to your recipe rotation—you won’t regret it.