I’ve made this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce so many times, I’ve practically memorized the process. It’s the kind of dish that brings together bold, smoky flavors with velvety smoothness in every bite. The spiced, pan-seared chicken breast is the perfect match for that creamy, garlicky sauce clinging to each piece of penne pasta. When I want comfort food with a little kick and a whole lot of flavor, this recipe is the one I always reach for.

What makes this pasta extra special is the homemade garlic mozzarella sauce—it’s rich, cheesy, and just garlicky enough to be addictive without overpowering everything else. I love how the Cajun spices mingle with the melted cheese and pasta to create a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home. If you enjoy bold flavors, creamy sauces, and a bit of Southern flair, I promise this pasta won’t disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This recipe is for you if you love comfort food that doesn’t hold back on flavor. The Cajun chicken adds a perfect smoky heat, balanced by the creamy, garlicky cheese sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. It’s hearty enough for dinner but fancy enough to impress guests.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a cozy dinner for friends, this dish brings restaurant-level flavor with just one skillet and one pot. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour—yes, really!

What Type of Chicken Should I Use for Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish because they cook quickly and slice easily for presentation. They also absorb the Cajun seasoning beautifully, creating that perfect sear and deep flavor. If you prefer juicier cuts, boneless chicken thighs are a great substitute—they’re slightly more tender and forgiving if slightly overcooked.

For best results, I season the chicken generously and let it sit for a few minutes before it hits the skillet. This gives the spices time to sink in, making each bite bold and flavorful. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips can be used—but trust me, nothing beats freshly seared Cajun-spiced chicken.

Options for Substitutions

If you need to tailor the dish to different dietary preferences or what you have on hand, here are some easy swaps:

Pasta: Penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine.
Dairy-Free: Swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use unsweetened almond or oat milk for the base of the sauce.
Protein: Try shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist—it pairs perfectly with the Cajun flavors.
Spice Level: Not a fan of heat? Use a mild Cajun blend or cut back on the cayenne.
Gluten-Free: Just substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free brand and ensure the Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain flour or fillers.

Flexibility is part of what makes this pasta so kitchen-friendly. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or adjusting for allergies, the creamy Cajun base will still shine through.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture, creating that irresistible balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness.

Chicken Breasts: The protein star of the dish, seasoned and pan-seared to lock in flavor and give a nice crust from the Cajun spices.
Cajun Seasoning: This is what gives the dish its smoky, spicy personality. Use a store-bought mix or make your own for more control over the heat.
Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for holding onto that thick, creamy garlic sauce. It also cooks quickly and evenly.
Heavy Cream: This forms the luxurious base of the sauce—rich, velvety, and perfect for soaking up all those flavors.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that gooey, stretchy creaminess we love in cheesy sauces, plus it balances out the spice with its mellow flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Boosts the savory depth of the sauce and adds a touch of saltiness and nuttiness.
Fresh Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, garlic infuses the cream with a warm, savory note that ties the whole dish together.
Butter: Used for sautéing and adding a silky richness to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and prevents sticking.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds freshness and a pop of color for finishing the dish.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat them generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, but reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt a bit more butter if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan, whisking until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the garlic mozzarella sauce and toss until every piece is coated. Let it simmer together for a minute so the flavors meld. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Slice and Serve the Chicken

Slice the rested Cajun chicken into strips and arrange it on top of the creamy pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness!

How Long to Cook Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This entire dish comes together in about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish:

Chicken: 10–12 minutes to sear and cook through.
Pasta: 8–10 minutes to boil.
Sauce: 6–8 minutes to make.
Assembly: 5 minutes to combine everything and serve.

If you’re prepping ingredients as you go, you can easily overlap steps to save time, making this a quick dinner even on busy nights.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer if needed—165°F (75°C) is the magic number for juicy chicken. Let it rest before slicing to keep all those juices in.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a richer, more aromatic flavor than pre-chopped or powdered versions.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. For the creamiest texture, grate mozzarella and parmesan yourself.
Season at the End: After mixing in the cheese and pasta, give the sauce a final taste test before adding salt—it might already be salty enough from the cheese.
Adjust the Spice: Cajun blends vary in heat. Taste yours first, and if you’re spice-sensitive, start with less and build up.
Save That Pasta Water: A splash of starchy water can fix an overly thick sauce in seconds without watering down the flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple pasta dish like this one has a few traps you’ll want to avoid. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Burning the Garlic: Garlic can go from fragrant to bitter in seconds. As soon as it becomes aromatic, move on to the next step.
Overcooking the Chicken: Searing too long dries out the meat. Stick to medium-high heat and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F internally.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It won’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce clumpy. Always go for fresh blocks of cheese when possible.
Forgetting to Salt the Pasta Water: Pasta water should taste like the sea. Skipping this step can make your whole dish taste under-seasoned.
Adding All the Cheese at Once: Stir the cheese in gradually over low heat to avoid clumps or stringy sauce.
Letting the Sauce Sit Too Long: Cream sauces thicken fast—toss the pasta in while it’s hot to keep it silky.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This pasta is rich and satisfying, so it pairs best with light, fresh, or crunchy sides that balance the creaminess.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

A crunchy, slightly charred veggie side that adds depth without overpowering the dish.

Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Peppery arugula and a tangy dressing cut through the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Toasted Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up every bit of that cheesy garlic sauce—don’t skip it.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Fresh and juicy, this salad adds a welcome cool contrast to the spicy Cajun flavors.

Caprese Skewers

Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on a stick—it mirrors the cheese in the sauce with a fresh twist.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

If you want to turn this into a pasta night feast, pair it with a light soup that complements the garlic without competing.

Lemon Iced Tea

A zesty drink keeps your palate refreshed and helps tame the spice from the Cajun seasoning.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce are just as delicious the next day—maybe even better, once the flavors have had time to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat it right:

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so freezing isn’t ideal. If you must, freeze only the chicken and pasta (not the sauce) for up to 1 month, then make the sauce fresh when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Stir constantly to avoid curdling or separating.

Avoid microwaving on high heat as it can make the sauce grainy. A slow reheat with added liquid works best.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a breakdown for one generous serving (assuming the recipe serves 4):

Calories: 720
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 850mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact brands and measurements used. For lighter versions, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own! Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as deep. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works—just toss it in Cajun seasoning and heat it up in the skillet before adding.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Use a mild Cajun blend or cut back on the cayenne if making your own. Adding a little more cream or cheese can also help balance out the heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but it can be. Just substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free version and double-check your Cajun seasoning to make sure it’s gluten-free too.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini work great. Sauté them right after cooking the chicken, before making the sauce.

Will the sauce thicken as it sits?

Yes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water while reheating to loosen it up.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a middle ground, use half-and-half or mix milk with a bit of cream cheese for thickness.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

Up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little added liquid to keep the sauce creamy.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style—bold, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It hits that perfect balance between spicy and rich, with juicy seared chicken and cheesy garlic sauce hugging every piece of pasta. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this dish always delivers on flavor and comfort.