If you’re craving a rich and satisfying meal that packs bold flavor with every bite, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is about to become your new go-to. The smoky heat of Cajun-spiced chicken pairs beautifully with the velvety, cheesy garlic sauce that coats every forkful of penne pasta. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and spice.

Whether you’re hosting dinner for friends or simply indulging in a cozy weeknight treat, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen. It’s creamy, savory, just the right amount of spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive into how to bring this hearty favorite to life.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta, having the right tools will streamline your prep and ensure your sauce is silky and your chicken sears beautifully. Here’s what you need:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: For achieving that golden, flavorful crust on the Cajun chicken.
Large Pot: To cook your penne pasta without crowding.
Colander: For draining pasta while keeping it firm and not mushy.

Whisk: Essential for making the garlic mozzarella cream sauce smooth and lump-free.
Tongs and Sharp Knife: For flipping the chicken and slicing it precisely before serving.

Each of these tools helps balance flavor and texture while making your cooking process feel like a breeze. Ready to prep? Let’s gather those ingredients next.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building flavor and creating the luscious texture we crave in a creamy pasta dish.

Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the sauce, giving each bite a balanced taste of pasta and creamy garlic goodness.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The protein star, ideal for soaking up that spicy Cajun seasoning and delivering juicy, flavorful bites.

Cajun Seasoning: Adds the smoky, spicy kick that defines this dish. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Olive Oil & Butter: Together, they create a rich base for searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
Garlic (minced): Essential for the signature garlic note in the sauce—bold, aromatic, and savory.

Heavy Cream: Builds the foundation of the sauce, making it velvety and indulgent.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it stretch and creaminess without overpowering the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to balance the richness.

Chopped Parsley: Freshens up the dish and adds color contrast.
Salt & Pepper: Simple yet crucial for balancing all the bold flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously rub Cajun seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and let it rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a little more butter, then toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a light simmer. Gradually whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir until every piece is coated. Slice the rested chicken and lay it on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish, add a final dash of black pepper, and serve hot for that irresistible melty, spicy perfection.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Serve this pasta hot, fresh from the skillet, to experience the best of the creamy, cheesy sauce mingled with the spicy chicken. For a bistro-style touch, plate it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten the flavors. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

To store, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life on the stovetop or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour for a lighter version. Just note it won’t be as rich or creamy.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Double the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Just make sure to season it well and warm it before combining with the sauce.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently with added cream.

What pasta shapes can I use instead of penne?

Rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine all work well since they hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions and blend well with the flavors.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta, you might love these other bold and flavorful pasta dishes on Life With Olivia:

These recipes continue the theme of creamy sauces, robust spices, and crowd-pleasing comfort.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: My Pinterest – Life With Olivia

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in some spinach or try a spicy twist? Maybe you swapped penne for rotini?

I love seeing your spins on this recipe. Questions or variations? Drop them below—let’s get creative in the kitchen together.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold and comforting dinner made with seasoned chicken, penne pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic cheese sauce. The perfect blend of heat, richness, and savory flavor, this one-skillet meal delivers restaurant-style satisfaction in under an hour.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.

3. In a hot cast iron skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer.

6. Gradually whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and fully melted.

7. Stir in cooked pasta until evenly coated in the sauce.

8. Slice the rested chicken and place over pasta.

9. Sprinkle with parsley and black pepper. Serve immediately.