Description

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, and penne pasta. A quick, restaurant-quality chicken pasta recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, packed with bold flavor and cheesy richness.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz penne pasta

1 ¼ cups heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

3 tbsp butter

¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit to marinate briefly.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add butter and olive oil, then sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In a large pot, cook penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat and sauté garlic in butter until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. Add heavy cream and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Simmer gently.

6. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust Cajun seasoning if desired.

7. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

8. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.

For extra richness, use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded.

To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 145mg