Craving something indulgent, bold, and downright irresistible for dinner tonight? What if you could whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen that brings together tender, golden-seared chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta with a touch of Cajun heat?

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is exactly that kind of meal. It balances spice and cream, richness and simplicity. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken meets a velvety cheese sauce, all tangled up with pasta that clings to every bit of that flavor. Whether it’s for a family dinner or to impress guests, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the flavors, make sure you have the right tools at hand. Here are the essentials:

Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan: This ensures even searing and browning of the chicken, locking in flavor.
Large pot for pasta: Boiling your penne in a spacious pot helps prevent sticking and allows for even cooking.
Tongs or spatula: Ideal for flipping and stirring chicken without tearing the meat.
Whisk: A must-have for creating a smooth, lump-free Parmesan cream sauce.
Colander: Essential for draining your pasta just right.

Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and ensures that each component of your dish is cooked to perfection.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Chicken breast or thighs: Boneless, skinless cuts are best for even cooking and a tender, juicy bite.
Cajun seasoning: The soul of the dish. It brings boldness, smokiness, and that signature Southern kick.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a strong aromatic base that infuses both chicken and sauce.
Butter: Helps develop a rich, nutty foundation, particularly when browned slightly.
Olive oil: Aids in searing the chicken while keeping it moist.
Heavy cream: The creamy component of the sauce, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best. It melts into the cream, adding depth, saltiness, and body.
Penne pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold onto the sauce in every ridge and curve.
Salt & pepper: To balance and bring out all the other flavors.
Parsley (optional): A fresh, green garnish that brightens the plate and cuts through the richness.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken with Flavor

Season your chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil and a tablespoon of butter, sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. This infuses the butter with flavor and sets the base.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Add a bit of pasta water if it gets too thick.

Step 5: Toss and Combine

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat every piece. Then, fold the chicken back into the pan and stir everything together until heated through.

Step 6: Serve It Hot

Plate it up while hot, garnished with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan on top.

How to Serve and Store Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This dish is best served piping hot, right off the stove. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Serve it in shallow bowls for a bistro-style presentation or on a family-style platter with extra grated Parmesan and crusty bread on the side.

For storing, let the dish cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but it won’t be as flavorful. Freshly seared chicken absorbs the Cajun spices and garlic butter much better.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick as with heavy cream.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Just reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also balance it with a bit more cream and Parmesan.

What’s the best pasta alternative to penne?

Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work well—they all have grooves that hold sauce beautifully.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully and add extra texture.

How do I keep the Parmesan from clumping in the sauce?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and add it gradually while whisking constantly over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly.

Want More Cajun Pasta Ideas?

Looking for more hearty and flavor-packed pasta meals? You might love the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, which delivers a similar spice profile with a different creamy twist.

If you’re leaning toward something baked, try the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna for layers of bold flavor and cheesy goodness. Another great casserole-style option is the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, which swaps Cajun for Italian spices but still satisfies in a similar way.

For pasta with a beefy bite, don’t miss the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, a comforting one-dish dinner perfect for busy nights.

Or venture into a fusion twist with the One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta. It offers the same garlic butter magic but with steak and a spicy punch.

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If you make this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you tweak the spice? Add any veggies? Drop a comment below and let’s chat.

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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A bold and creamy Cajun-style pasta dinner featuring tender garlic butter chicken, penne pasta, and a velvety Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a comfort-food crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

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

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

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

5. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

6. Stir in reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.

8. Return chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.

9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.