Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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Get ready to elevate your pasta nights with this rich and savory Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal: tender bites of juicy chicken coated in smoky Cajun seasoning, tossed with buttery garlic and folded into a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce. The combination of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness over al dente penne creates a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers bold flavors without a complicated process. It’s a weeknight hero, a weekend indulgence, and definitely the kind of meal that makes leftovers something to look forward to.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs both work beautifully for this recipe. Chicken breasts will cook up lean and tender, while thighs bring in extra juiciness and a bit more flavor. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and maximum surface area to absorb all that garlic butter and Cajun spice.

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Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Chicken – The heart of the recipe. Choose juicy, boneless pieces for maximum flavor and easy cooking.

Penne Pasta – Perfectly shaped to catch the creamy sauce in every bite.

Cajun Seasoning – Adds smoky heat and bold Southern flair to the chicken.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic melts into the butter and adds aromatic richness.

Butter – Forms the flavor base with garlic, bringing that savory depth we crave.

Heavy Cream – Creates a silky-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty finish.

Parsley – A fresh sprinkle on top brightens the dish and adds visual appeal.

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How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn—it should be soft and aromatic.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, letting it melt into the cream to form a rich, smooth sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat each piece in the sauce. Add the cooked penne and toss everything together until fully combined. Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes so the pasta soaks up all the flavor.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

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How to Serve and Store Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Serve this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne hot from the skillet, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top if you like. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a cozy dinner, enjoy it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy texture. This dish also freezes decently—just note that cream-based sauces can separate slightly, so stir well when reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini all work well with this creamy sauce. Use whatever you have on hand.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce won’t be as thick, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and reheat with the sauce when ready to serve.

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

It depends on the brand or blend. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more to taste.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions for color and nutrition.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you’re loving the spicy-creamy combination in this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne, here are some other recipes you should definitely check out next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a ricotta-rich variation.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce if you’re craving a cheesy, beefy comfort dish.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta when you want that creamy garlic vibe with a hearty protein punch.
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner to keep things easy and mess-free.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you never lose track of your next comfort meal idea.

Let me know how it turned out for you! Did you make it extra spicy or add veggies? Snap a photo and tag me—we love to see your creations.

Looking for more creamy chicken pasta inspiration? Head over to my Pinterest page where I share my daily meals and flavor-packed favorites: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

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