Description
Craving a quick dinner with bold flavors? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce brings restaurant-level comfort to your kitchen in under 40 minutes. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich garlic mozzarella sauce combine for a satisfying, cozy, and spicy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence. Ideal for fans of easy dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipes, and food ideas that impress without stress. Whether you’re exploring new dinner ideas or need a quick dinner recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
10 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
7. Slice the rested chicken and place on top of the creamy pasta.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier, smoother sauce.
To tone down the spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, easy dinner, garlic mozzarella sauce, pasta recipe, quick dinner