Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce. With a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory depth, this recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive date night meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

penne pastachicken breastolive oilCajun seasoninggarliconionbell pepper (red or yellow)heavy creamsalt and pepperparmesan cheesefresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season with Cajun seasoning.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell pepper until softened.

Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce begins to thicken.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.

Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a delicious twist.

Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle will work well.

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the amount to your preference.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the parmesan, though the flavor and texture will change.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, cook the pasta and chicken ahead and store separately. Combine with sauce when ready to serve.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add more cheese for a thicker consistency.

What protein works best besides chicken?

Shrimp, andouille sausage, or even tofu work well in this recipe.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Not necessary, but letting it sit with Cajun seasoning for a few minutes helps boost flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta brings bold flavor and comfort together in one irresistible dish. It’s easy to make, full of texture and spice, and perfect for when you want a dinner that feels special without requiring too much effort. Try it once, and it just might become a weeknight favorite.