If you love bold, crave-worthy flavors, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is calling your name. Imagine juicy chunks of Cajun-spiced chicken seared to perfection and paired with tender penne pasta, all cloaked in a rich and silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting dish with just the right kick of heat and a buttery finish that lingers on your taste buds.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and easy-to-make practicality. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Plus, it’s customizable — you can dial up the spice, switch up the pasta, or even toss in some veggies.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

You can use your favorite store-bought Cajun blend or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for a milder version or simply reduce the cayenne. For bold heat lovers, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes right into the sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for quick searing and staying juicy in the buttery sauce.

Cajun Seasoning – This is where all the flavor begins. The seasoning not only coats the chicken but adds warmth to the entire dish.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic builds that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.

Butter – Used to pan-sear the chicken and sauté garlic, butter adds richness that ties all the ingredients together.

Heavy Cream – The base of our luscious sauce, heavy cream brings the indulgent creaminess we’re after.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it a salty, nutty finish that’s completely addictive.

Penne Pasta – The ideal pasta shape for holding onto creamy sauces. It catches all those bits of seasoning and cheese in every bite.

Parsley – For color and a hint of freshness, chopped parsley finishes the dish beautifully.

Olive Oil – Helps the butter sear the chicken evenly and adds flavor.

Salt & Pepper – For balancing all the bold Cajun spices.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then cut into bite-sized chunks. Toss them in Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on all sides until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Base

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes before slowly adding the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy that silky Cajun kick with every bite.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish

Serve your Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne hot, right out of the skillet, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light green salad. For a cozy touch, serve it in warmed bowls to keep that creamy sauce luscious until the last bite.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well — just store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, rotini, or rigatoni are great alternatives. Just make sure the pasta shape can hold onto that creamy sauce.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate kick, thanks to the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of seasoning used.

Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! Shrimp works wonderfully with Cajun flavors. Just cook it quickly in the garlic butter and set aside before making the sauce.

What can I add for more vegetables?

Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers would make excellent additions. Just sauté them before adding the cream.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to keep it creamy.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor and texture may differ from the original.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy and creamy pasta dishes:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a one-pan comfort fix.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you love bold, cheesy goodness.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for another spicy, creamy twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you need big flavor with minimal cleanup.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a lighter but rich dinner option.

Looking for even more dinner inspiration? Check out my daily recipe pins here: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it spicy or keep it mellow? Swap the chicken for shrimp?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting, bold-flavored pasta dish that combines juicy seared Cajun chicken with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it’s both crowd-pleasing and easy to make.

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
Coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove and set aside.
Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping any brown bits from the skillet.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta.
Stir everything together until fully coated.
Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.