Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is the perfect marriage of bold flavor and creamy comfort. With tender chicken seasoned in Cajun spices and tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this dish brings just the right amount of heat and richness to your dinner table. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re a spice lover or just craving something satisfying, this pasta will win over everyone with its punchy, creamy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes
- One-pot simplicity – Less cleanup, more flavor
- Bold Cajun flavor – A spicy twist on creamy pasta
- Versatile – Add veggies or swap proteins
- Family-friendly – Just the right heat for most palates
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. - Sauté the garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. - Make the sauce
Pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often, and let it thicken for 3–5 minutes. - Combine and finish
Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until creamy and well-coated. Adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
Tips & Variations
- Dial the spice up or down with more or less Cajun seasoning
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- Swap proteins – Try shrimp, sausage, or tofu
- Use pasta water or chicken broth to thin the sauce if it gets too thick
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save even more time
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Is it very spicy?
Not overwhelmingly so, but spice levels can vary by brand of Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your taste.
Can I use another pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, rotini, or rigatoni all work well.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta
Equipment
- – Large skillet
- – Pot for boiling pasta
- – Knife & cutting board
- – Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- – 8 oz penne pasta
- – 1 lb chicken breast sliced
- – 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 clove garlic minced
- – 2 cups heavy cream
- – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream. Simmer and thicken for 3–5 minutes.
- Add pasta and Parmesan. Stir to combine and coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
– Add spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients
– Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce texture
Conclusion
When it comes to weeknight dinners, Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta checks every box — quick, flavorful, comforting, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into something special with minimal effort. Serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, or just a glass of wine, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen.