Name: Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American / Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

There’s something deeply comforting about a plate full of creamy, cheesy pasta—especially when it’s paired with juicy, golden-seared Cajun chicken. I first made this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream on a weeknight when I wanted something indulgent yet quick to pull together. One bite and I was hooked. The silky garlic-Parmesan sauce coats every inch of the penne, while the bold spice of the Cajun chicken balances it all with a smoky kick.

This is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a restaurant and keeps everyone lingering at the dinner table just a little longer. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress guests, this dish never fails to deliver that wow factor. And the best part? You don’t need a dozen ingredients or advanced cooking skills to nail it.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

This dish brings together the rich, savory flavors of a creamy Alfredo-style pasta and the spicy charm of blackened Cajun chicken. The garlic Parmesan cream sauce is luscious without being too heavy, and it clings to the pasta like a dream. You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together in under an hour, with just a few pantry staples and some fresh chicken. It’s perfect for an easy dinner, meal prep, or even a cozy date night at home.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream?

While penne is the classic choice for this recipe (and for good reason), you’re not limited to just that. Penne’s ridges and tube shape are perfect for holding onto that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. But if you don’t have penne on hand, rigatoni or ziti make great alternatives. Even fettuccine or rotini can work well if you’re looking to mix things up. The key is choosing a pasta shape that can grab onto the sauce and support the weight of that bold, juicy Cajun chicken.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re out of an ingredient or looking to adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences, there’s plenty of flexibility here:

Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer a juicier cut, boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent swap.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your favorite gluten-free penne to make this meal celiac-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Lighter Cream Sauce: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Add a bit of cream cheese to keep the sauce rich.
Different Cheeses: Parmesan is king here, but Romano or Asiago can add a fun twist. Or try a mix for more complexity.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up the pasta with roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty, meatless version.
Cajun Seasoning Substitute: If you’re out of Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano for a quick homemade blend.

Ingredients for Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
These are the star protein—lean, quick to cook, and perfect for soaking up the Cajun spices and creamy sauce.
Cajun Seasoning
This adds bold, smoky heat to the chicken. It’s what gives the dish that unmistakable Southern kick.
Olive Oil
Used for searing the chicken, it helps achieve a golden, slightly crispy crust while keeping the meat juicy.
Penne Pasta
Chosen for its shape and ridges, penne holds onto the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce exceptionally well.
Butter
A base for the sauce that brings rich flavor and helps create that silky texture when combined with cream and cheese.
Garlic (Minced)
Essential for flavor depth—garlic builds a savory backbone for the sauce.
Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce luxuriously rich and smooth. It brings everything together.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated)
Adds salty, nutty richness and thickens the sauce naturally without needing flour.
Salt and Black Pepper
Used to balance the bold Cajun flavors and elevate every component of the dish.
Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
A fresh finishing touch that brightens the plate visually and adds a light, herbaceous note.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Make sure every inch is coated—this is where the flavor magic begins.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 5–6 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let them rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Season

Once the cream is warmed through, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt and thicken into a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked penne directly into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen things up. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated.

Step 7: Slice and Add Chicken

Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and nestle them over the cheesy penne. Drizzle a bit of extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything and serve hot. This dish is rich, satisfying, and ready to impress.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly for something so satisfying:

Chicken Cooking Time: 5–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Pasta Cooking Time: Around 10–12 minutes for penne to reach al dente.
Sauce Time: 5–7 minutes to bring the garlic Parmesan cream sauce together.

Total active cooking time: About 30 minutes
Total time including prep: Roughly 40–45 minutes

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream

Pound your chicken to an even thickness before seasoning—this helps it cook evenly and quickly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, creamier sauce with better flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooked (al dente) is best since it’ll continue to absorb the sauce.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of pasta water or cream to grab all those flavorful bits left behind after cooking the chicken.
Rest your chicken before slicing—just 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
Taste the sauce before adding salt. Parmesan is salty on its own, and you don’t want to overdo it.
Finish with parsley right before serving to keep the flavor and color fresh.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan: It doesn’t melt smoothly and can leave your sauce grainy. Always go for freshly grated cheese.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cajun seasoning can burn if the heat is too high for too long. Keep the skillet at medium-high and don’t walk away.
Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is key for adjusting the consistency of the sauce without diluting the flavor.
Adding Cold Cream to a Hot Pan: Let your cream sit out for a few minutes before adding it, or you risk curdling.
Salting Too Early: Wait until the sauce is nearly finished to taste and adjust. Between the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan, it may already be well-salted.
Crowding the Chicken in the Pan: Give each piece enough space to get that beautiful sear. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not browning.

What to Serve With Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, buttery on the inside—perfect for scooping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

Adds a touch of green and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate.

Roasted Asparagus

Tossed in olive oil and roasted until just crisp—it’s a quick, elegant veggie side.

Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons play nicely alongside the pasta’s richness.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Quick, healthy, and packed with flavor—it’s a great nutrient boost without taking over the plate.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

The sweetness and charred flavor of corn pair well with Cajun spice.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until caramelized and tossed with a little lemon or balsamic—they add both texture and brightness.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream keep surprisingly well—just store them properly:

Refrigerate: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
Freezing: Not recommended. The cream sauce can separate and become grainy once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~680 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Serving Size: Approx. 1 ½ cups
Category: Dinner / Pasta
Diet: Not vegetarian, gluten-free adaptable with substitutions

(Note: These values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking it fresh?

Yes, but you’ll miss out on the bold seared flavor. If using pre-cooked chicken, toss it with Cajun seasoning and warm it in the pan before adding it to the pasta.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also add more cream or cheese to mellow out the heat.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To thicken it, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a small cornstarch slurry.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the chicken and replace it with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas for added texture and flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning for hidden gluten.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even reheating.

Can I add vegetables to the dish itself?

Definitely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms blend beautifully into the sauce and add color and nutrients.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne and Cajun Chicken in Garlic Parmesan Cream is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor—ready in under an hour and perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or when you just need something that tastes like a warm hug. Whether you stick to the recipe or play with the substitutions, this dish is designed to be both flexible and unforgettable. If you love rich pasta and a touch of heat, this one’s going to become a go-to in your kitchen.