Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

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Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Cajun flavors, this dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and restaurant-quality dining. Juicy chicken thighs, marinated in Cajun spices and seared until golden, are paired with tender penne pasta coated in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Every bite has a balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness that makes it irresistible.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re craving a hearty pasta dinner or want to elevate your chicken recipes, this dish has you covered. The creamy parmesan sauce clings to each piece of penne, and the Cajun chicken adds the right kick of flavor to keep you coming back for more.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful after searing. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use chicken breasts, but make sure not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

• Chicken thighs – juicy and tender, they soak up the Cajun flavors beautifully.
• Cajun seasoning – the heart of the dish, providing smoky, spicy, and savory notes.
• Olive oil & butter – for searing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
• Garlic – fresh cloves for aromatic depth in the cream sauce.
• Heavy cream – creates the silky, luscious base of the pasta sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – adds salty, nutty, cheesy flavor to the cream sauce.
• Penne pasta – sturdy enough to hold onto the sauce while keeping a satisfying bite.
• Parsley – fresh and vibrant, sprinkled on top for garnish.

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How To Make Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub them generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and a little butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and melt a little butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to incorporate the browned bits from the pan. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the cream sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it coats the pasta perfectly.

Step 5: Serve with Cajun Chicken

Slice the Cajun chicken into strips and arrange on top of the cheesy penne. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

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Serving and Storing Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken

This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the sauce is creamy and smooth. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of parsley and maybe an extra dusting of Parmesan. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream in a skillet over medium heat to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving for too long as the chicken may dry out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook, as they dry out faster than thighs.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend to keep the flavors balanced without too much heat.

Can I substitute the pasta?

Of course. Penne works great, but you can swap it with rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand.

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While the chicken freezes well, the creamy sauce and pasta don’t hold up perfectly after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken, you’ll want to try some of my other comforting pasta favorites:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a velvety twist on Alfredo.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli when you crave cheesy bites with veggies.
• One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac for a smoky, hearty dish packed with flavor.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you’re in the mood for steak and pasta together.
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta for a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors.

For more daily recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest page 👉 Life with Nina Recipes.

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📌 Save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again whenever the craving strikes.

And when you do try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add extra Parmesan? Maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for more heat? Leave a comment and let’s swap tips—your version might become someone else’s new favorite!

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