Description
This Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream is a bold, flavorful pasta dish made with seasoned chicken thighs, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked penne. It’s a creamy Cajun chicken pasta that brings comfort and spice together—perfect for dinner ideas, meal prep, or indulgent weekends.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.
3. In a large pot of salted water, cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and whisk in parmesan until thickened.
6. Add penne to sauce and toss to coat evenly.
7. Slice the Cajun chicken and layer it over the pasta.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore sauce texture.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken—this keeps it crisp and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 160mg