Description
A rich and spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce, this comforting pasta dish features juicy chicken breasts, Cajun spices, and a velvety Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz penne pasta
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
3. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until smooth.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet.
7. Add cooked pasta and mix well, adding pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
8. Adjust seasonings and top with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture.
Add a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps the sauce cling better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg