Go Back
–+ servings
Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Irresistibly Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a quick, wholesome dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: High Protein Dinner
Cuisine: Louisiana
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adds distinct Louisiana flair
For the Pasta
  • 10 ounces penne pasta captures creamy sauce perfectly
For the Sauce
  • 1.5 tablespoons butter provides richness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the chicken
  • 4 cloves garlic freshly minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates the luscious sauce base
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated for depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blends herbs to round flavors
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper adds a hint of spice
For the Finish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in Italian seasoning, add heavy cream, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Combine chicken and penne pasta with the sauce, toss well, adding reserved pasta water if too thick.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, cook the pasta just until al dente. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!