Cheesy Cajun Chicken Penne with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 800 per serving

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this Cheesy Cajun Chicken Penne! Tender chicken bites, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce come together in just 30 minutes. With a kick of Cajun spice and a velvety, cheesy finish, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently.
4. Add the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted, then add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken and penne to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until fully coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy Tina’s Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning mix!

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning to ½ tbsp and skip the smoked papilla for less spice.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

This Cheesy Cajun Chicken Penne is a guaranteed hit with its bold flavors and creamy texture. Perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!