Get ready to fall head over heels for a dish that’s bold, creamy, and packed with serious flavor. Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is like a warm hug with a little spicy kick it’s rich, comforting, and totally satisfying. Imagine tender bites of Cajun-seasoned chicken swimming in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, with every twist of penne soaking up all that garlicky, buttery goodness. This dish is a weeknight warrior and a weekend showstopper all in one and trust me, you’re going to want seconds.

Why You’ll Love Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: This recipe is a flavor chameleon serve it for a cozy dinner or make it the star of your next potluck.

Budget-Friendly: Chicken and pasta keep it affordable, and the ingredients are pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: You’ll have this creamy masterpiece on the table in just 30 minutes.

Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap the pasta shape, or toss in your favorite veggies.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This is comfort food turned up a notch, and it all starts with these flavor-packed essentials:

Chicken Breast

Juicy and tender, seasoned with Cajun spices for a bold flavor base that soaks up all that buttery goodness.

Penne Pasta

Perfect for catching every drop of creamy sauce in its little tubes. You can also use rigatoni or fusilli.

Cajun Seasoning

This spice blend brings heat, depth, and a touch of smokiness. Adjust to your taste.

Garlic

Rich, aromatic, and the backbone of our buttery sauce.

Butter

Melted into magic with garlic and seasoning, it makes the base irresistible.

Heavy Cream

Creamy and dreamy, this is what gives the sauce that luxurious texture.

Parmesan Cheese

Salty, nutty, and melty freshly grated Parmesan ties everything together beautifully.

Olive Oil

Used to sauté the chicken until it’s golden and flavorful.

Salt and Pepper

Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.

Parsley

Fresh and green, a bright garnish that makes the dish pop.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Combine Ingredients

Cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

In the hot skillet, add olive oil and sear the Cajun-seasoned chicken breast pieces until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Assemble the Dish

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Cook to Perfection

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and let everything bubble together for a few minutes.

Finishing Touches

Toss in the cooked penne and stir until everything is coated in creamy, spicy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and dig into the ultimate comfort food.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 670

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach
• A chilled glass of white wine or a citrusy sparkling drink
• Finish with a light lemon tart or fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time
• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and color
• Don’t overcook the pasta it will keep cooking slightly in the sauce
• Taste the Cajun seasoning before adding more some blends are saltier than others
• Add more cream if the sauce thickens too much
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed
• Double the batch it makes amazing leftovers!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle works great in this dish.

2. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It can be adjust the amount to match your heat tolerance.

3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk will make a thinner sauce; half-and-half is a better substitute.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are delicious additions.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

6. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Totally! Cajun shrimp pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

7. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.

8. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it a few extra minutes or add a bit more Parmesan.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream sauces don’t freeze well it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

10. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, just reduce the spice level and it becomes a creamy pasta kids will love.

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is everything a comfort meal should be creamy, spicy, and completely satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so easy to whip up, making it perfect for both busy nights and special moments. With just a handful of ingredients and a whole lot of flavor, this pasta is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. So grab your fork, and don’t be shy this one’s meant to be savored bite by bite.

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