Cheesy Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

 

🔥 Cheesy Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce.

Bold spice meets creamy comfort in this rich, cheesy Cajun chicken pasta — the ultimate flavor bomb in one skillet! 🍗🧄🧀

📝 Ingredients

◾️ 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)

◾️ 12 oz penne pasta

◾️ 1 tbsp olive oil

◾️ 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)

◾️ 4 garlic cloves, minced

◾️ 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning

◾️ ½ tsp smoked paprika

◾️ Salt & black pepper, to taste

◾️ ½ cup shredded mozzarella (on chicken)

◾️ ½ cup grated Parmesan (on chicken)

◾️ 1½ cups heavy cream

◾️ ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth

◾️ ¾ cup shredded mozzarella (for sauce)

◾️ ½ cup shredded cheddar

◾️ ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)

◾️ 2 oz cream cheese (softened)

◾️ ½ tsp Italian seasoning

◾️ Chopped parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

✅️1. Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water and cook penne to al dente. Drain and set aside.

✅️2. Season the Chicken

Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

✅️3. Sear the Chicken

In a skillet, heat olive oil + 2 tbsp butter. Cook chicken 6–7 mins until golden. Add half the garlic + 1 tbsp butter in the last minute.

Top with mozzarella + Parmesan — let melt, stir to coat. Remove and set aside.

✅️4. Make the Sauce

Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add remaining garlic and sauté briefly.

Pour in cream + broth. Simmer gently.

Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan — stir until creamy and thick.

✅️5. Finish It Off

Add Italian seasoning, salt & pepper to taste. Let sauce simmer 2–3 more minutes.

Toss in the pasta — stir to coat fully. Let sit on low heat for 1 minute.

✅️6. Serve

Plate pasta, top with cheesy Cajun chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot and creamy — total comfort in a bowl!

🕒 Ready In: 30–35 minutes

🍽 Serves: 4

🔥 Calories: ~850 per serving