Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and pasta that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new favorite comfort food.

This dish combines perfectly seasoned chicken, rich garlic butter, and a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight, but indulgent enough to serve guests or make for special occasions.

 Preparation and Cook Time

 Ingredients

For the Cajun Chicken:

• 1 lb (500g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips or chunks

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2–3 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4–6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1¼ cups (300 ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (350g) penne pasta

• Salted water, for boiling

 How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.

• Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Season and Sauté the Chicken

• Place the chicken in a bowl.

• Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 6–8 minutes or until golden-brown and cooked through.

• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Chef’s tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed to ensure a nice sear.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.

• Add 3 tbsp butter, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it brown).

• Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Add the heavy cream, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

• Simmer gently, stirring often, for 5–6 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

• Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, more luxurious sauce.

4. Combine Chicken, Pasta & Sauce

• Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the pan.

• Add the cooked penne pasta.

• Toss everything together until fully coated in the creamy sauce.

• Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat.

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

• Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

 Pro Tips & Tricks

• Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Mix 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp thyme, ½ tsp oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Marinate the chicken in Cajun spices for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.

• Don’t boil the cream too hard – gentle simmer is key to avoid splitting.

• Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

• Want extra heat? Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

 What to Serve With It

Pair this dish with sides that balance its richness:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Roasted cherry tomatoes

 Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced richness: Butter + cream + Parmesan, but not overly heavy

• Bold flavor: Cajun spices give it a smoky, spicy kick

• Fast and easy: Made with pantry staples, ready in 45 minutes

• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love it

• Customizable: Easy to tweak for dietary needs

 Variations and Substitutions

 Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Sauce may separate slightly upon thawing—reheat slowly and stir.

• Reheat: Gently warm in a pan with a splash of cream or milk, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

⚠️ Note: Nutrition will vary depending on portion size, cheese quantity, and brand of cream used.

 Wine Pairings

To balance the rich creaminess and spices, try:

Or serve with a cold beer (like a wheat beer or pale ale) if you prefer!

 Quick Recap