Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bites; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 10 oz penne pasta (about 3 cups uncooked); 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce); Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

A cozy, flavorful pasta dish where tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken meets silky garlic-butter cream sauce with Parmesan, all enveloping perfectly cooked penne.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights. The Cajun seasoning adds a subtle kick without overwhelming, and the garlic-butter cream sauce feels indulgent yet balanced. Every forkful has juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and satisfying pasta—just the kind of comfort I crave when cooking after a long day.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bites
2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz penne pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

directions

Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Toss chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Transfer chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Rigatoni or fettuccine can easily replace penne.
For extra nutrients and flavor, I like adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
I adjust the Cajun seasoning for more or less spice depending on who’s eating.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, I add a splash of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.
This dish also freezes well in portions for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I’ve tried this and it results in even more tender chicken with a slightly richer flavor.

2. How do I make this dish spicier or milder?

I simply adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning. For more heat, I add a little cayenne or chili flakes too.

3. Will the sauce thicken too much after cooling?

Yes, it does. I just stir in some cream or a little water while reheating to fix that.

4. Can I use a lighter cream or milk?

I’ve tried using half-and-half, and while it’s not as rich, it still works well. A little cream cheese can help boost the texture.

5. Can I add vegetables to this?

Absolutely. I like to toss in some spinach or mushrooms when I want to make it a more complete meal.

Conclusion

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is everything I look for in a comforting meal—rich, creamy, slightly spicy, and full of satisfying texture. It’s quick to whip up, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.