Description
Creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible — this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a dream dinner idea. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests, this quick dinner recipe features juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and pasta that holds all the flavor. It’s the kind of easy recipe that becomes an instant favorite — comforting, flavorful, and simple to make. Whether you’re looking for new food ideas, dinner ideas for the family, or just a creamy pasta dish to crave again and again, this is the meal to bookmark. It’s everything you want in a hearty, satisfying dish!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, diced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and season with Cajun seasoning. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is thick and smooth.
5. Stir in cooked penne pasta and return chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or extra Cajun spice if you like more heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, Cajun chicken, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, comfort food