If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and creamy comfort, then you simply must try this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It perfectly balances the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the rich, velvety texture of a Parmesan cream sauce. Tender chicken, pungent garlic, and al dente penne pasta all come together in a way that’s both effortless and incredibly satisfying—ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing friends without the fuss. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but carefully chosen ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. From the spicy Cajun seasoning to the fresh Parmesan cheese, every component brings something special to the table.
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs: Choose what you prefer; both provide tender, juicy bites that soak up the seasoning beautifully.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: Its ridges and tube shape hold the creamy sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This is where the dish gets its bold and spicy soul—adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an irresistible aromatic punch that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps mellow out the Cajun spices while creating a silky sauce base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers a luscious, creamy texture that wraps everything up in delightful decadence.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese ensures the sauce tastes bright, nutty, and authentically cheesy.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente—meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the star of the show: the Cajun-spiced chicken.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them generously with the Cajun seasoning until each piece is well-coated. This seasoning is what will give the dish that irresistible smoky and spicy depth.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and let it sear, undisturbed, until browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. This searing locks in the juices and adds a beautiful caramelization. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt gently. Immediately stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. This garlic butter base is where the creamy magic will begin.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making sure it melts fully and the sauce turns smooth and silky. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and feel luxuriously creamy without being too thick.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir so every piece is bathed in that creamy sauce. Then, add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together. This step ensures each pasta tube is coated and every bite delivers that harmonious combination of flavors.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Allow the entire mixture to cook together over low heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the pasta soak up the sauce just enough to meld the flavors without becoming soggy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the vibrant chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also introduces a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness!
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice here, but feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to turn up the heat. A fresh lemon wedge on the side can also brighten the dish with a simple squeeze just before eating, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and full of flavor, so lighter side dishes work best. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are fantastic if you’re looking to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe in shallow bowls with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley on top. You could also present it layered in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden for a comforting baked twist. No matter how you serve it, the dish is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier the next day, but the pasta may absorb more sauce over time.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container and storing for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften after freezing and thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently. You can also microwave leftovers, but be sure to cover and stir every minute to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work beautifully as well.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
How spicy is this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
The spice level mainly depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount or choose a milder blend if you prefer less heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately and cook the pasta just before serving. This helps maintain the perfect pasta texture while saving time on busy days.
What can I use instead of fresh parsley?
If you don’t have parsley, fresh basil or cilantro can add a nice herbaceous touch, though parsley’s mildness pairs best with the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe captures everything you want in a satisfying meal—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. Once you try it, you’ll see why it stands out as a personal favorite for so many people. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and make your kitchen smell like the best kind of comfort food heaven.
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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, cooked perfectly and tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting meal combines bold Cajun spices with the smoothness of garlic butter and Parmesan, making it an easy and satisfying dinner option for four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, evenly coating each piece with the spice blend.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare garlic butter: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Parmesan cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the pieces evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Toss in the pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until fully combined. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
- To make this dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
