Description

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce brings together tender, golden-seared Cajun chicken with a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked penne. It’s spicy, rich, and satisfying — a one-skillet dinner that’s bursting with flavor and family-approved.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

8 oz penne pasta

3 tbsp butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, melt 1 ½ tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In a large pot, boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

6. Stir in Parmesan and whisk until the sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water if needed.

7. Toss in cooked penne and chicken, stirring to coat evenly.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add more Parmesan or a splash of milk when reheating.

Use freshly grated cheese — pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.

Add a squeeze of lemon or dash of hot sauce for a flavor boost just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups per serving
Calories: 610
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter, one skillet, comfort food