Description
Creamy and bold, this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with Cajun spice, tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and parmesan, it’s a one-pan pasta recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
2 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve some pasta water.
2. Coat chicken breasts in Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Add penne back into the pan and toss in the sauce.
6. Slice chicken and place on top of the pasta. Heat everything through.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
For a veggie boost, stir in spinach or roasted red peppers before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg