Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

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Craving a dinner that satisfies every comfort food craving in one bite? This Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream delivers golden-seared chicken with bold Cajun spices, nestled next to a bed of penne pasta drenched in a velvety, cheesy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of plate that gets scraped clean—every time.

Each forkful balances spicy, juicy chicken with creamy pasta, creating a dish that feels indulgent without being fussy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or when guests are over, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream effortlessly, you’ll want to prep your kitchen with the right tools:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Crucial for achieving that golden sear on the Cajun chicken without drying it out.
• Large Pot: Used for boiling the penne pasta until perfectly al dente.
• Colander: To drain the pasta quickly and keep it from overcooking.
• Whisk: Helps blend the parmesan cream sauce smoothly, avoiding clumps.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken and mixing pasta into the sauce evenly.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For prepping your chicken and garnishes like parsley.

Each of these tools ensures speed, consistency, and ease of cleanup—making the cooking experience almost as enjoyable as the first bite.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts – The protein centerpiece, seasoned with Cajun spice for bold flavor and tender texture.
• Cajun Seasoning – Adds a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
• Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and add depth of flavor.
• Butter – Rich base for the garlic parmesan cream, enhancing mouthfeel.
• Fresh Garlic – Intensifies the savory aroma and creates a flavor-packed cream.
• Heavy Cream – Forms the luxurious, velvety base of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated, it melts into the sauce creating a nutty, cheesy finish.
• Penne Pasta – Tube-shaped and perfect for catching every drop of the creamy sauce.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for balance and enhancement of every flavor.
• Fresh Parsley – A pop of green and freshness to brighten the plate.

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How To Make the Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Reheat Chicken

Add the drained penne to the cream sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Nestle the seared Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Let it heat together for 2-3 minutes so flavors marry beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped parsley over the top. Plate the pasta and chicken together, spooning extra sauce over each serving for that irresistible creamy finish.

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Serving and Storing Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. For a cozy touch, warm garlic bread or buttery rolls make the perfect companion to soak up the rich, cheesy sauce.

To store leftovers, place the pasta and chicken in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its silky texture. You can also freeze it, but note that the cream sauce may slightly separate upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning has a moderate heat level with a smoky, peppery base. If you’re spice-sensitive, you can reduce the amount or mix it with a bit of paprika for milder flavor.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well; just avoid overcooking to keep them juicy. You may need to adjust sear time based on thickness.

What type of parmesan cheese should I use?

Freshly grated parmesan is ideal. Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents, which can affect the sauce’s smoothness.

Can I substitute heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream. However, the sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta and verify your Cajun seasoning is GF-friendly. Always double-check labels when cooking gluten-free.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms, and use a veggie-based Cajun spice blend. The sauce itself is already vegetarian.

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Want More Creamy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream got your taste buds dancing, here are some more creamy pasta-style dishes you might love:

You’ll definitely enjoy the rich and spicy kick of the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta — it takes the same bold flavors up a notch. For something beefier, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce offers hearty bites in a silky white sauce.

Craving more twists on comfort food? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is perfect for spice lovers who want creamy layers. Or go for the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta if you’re into one-pan efficiency with flavor-packed beef.

And don’t miss out on Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a reader favorite that balances creamy, tangy, and savory in every bite.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or pasta boards for later. Just hit the Pin button.

If you try it, I’d love to hear your spin on it. Did you add mushrooms? Use a different pasta? Let me know in the comments — or tag me in your recreations on Pinterest. I share daily recipes at LadyPlate on Pinterest!

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