Creamy Cajun chicken penne pasta is the perfect dinner when you need something bold, comforting, and quick. This dish brings together tender sliced chicken, smoky Cajun seasoning, rich Parmesan cheese, and a velvety cream sauce—all tossed with penne pasta for the ultimate one-pan meal. It’s a little spicy, a lot creamy, and completely satisfying. And the best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan dinner with minimal cleanup
- Bold Cajun flavor balanced by a creamy sauce
- Quick to make—perfect for weeknights
- Customizable with veggies, spice level, or even shrimp
- Comfort food classic with a spicy twist
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the dish: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss until well combined and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the spice: Add more Cajun seasoning for heat, or reduce for a milder dish.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (though it will be less rich).
- Veggie upgrade: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet after the chicken cooks.
- Add shrimp: Swap half the chicken for shrimp, added during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Use leftover chicken: Already have grilled chicken? Just slice and toss it in at the end.
FAQs
What Cajun seasoning should I use?
Any store-bought Cajun blend will work. You can also make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! Fettuccine, rotini, or rigatoni work well too.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium kick. Control the heat by adjusting the Cajun seasoning.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta
Equipment
- – Large pot
- – Skillet or sauté pan
- – Tongs or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- – 8 oz penne pasta
- – 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- – 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- – 2 cups heavy cream
- – 1 tablespoon olive oil
- – 1 clove garlic minced
- – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss everything together until creamy.
- Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
– Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Creamy Cajun chicken penne pasta is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. With its bold spice, creamy sauce, and satisfying textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It comes together fast, uses pantry staples, and always delivers restaurant-worthy results. Serve it up with garlic bread and a side salad, and you’ve got dinner done right.