Description
If you’re craving bold flavors in a fast, comforting dinner, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce delivers in every bite. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, garlicky goodness—all wrapped in a rich parmesan sauce and tossed with golden seared chicken and tender pasta. This dish is ideal for quick dinners, comfort food cravings, or when you need impressive dinner ideas with very little effort. Whether you’re into easy recipes, looking for food ideas for busy nights, or searching for a creamy, spicy pasta dinner, this one hits the mark.
Ingredients
500g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
300g penne pasta
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and olive oil.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Cook penne pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return chicken to the skillet and combine everything. Add pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
7. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture as needed.
Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy when added back to the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, spicy pasta, comfort food, parmesan sauce, weeknight dinner