Description
Golden-seared Cajun chicken served with cheesy, garlic-rich penne pasta—this dish is bold, creamy, and perfect for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining. The garlic parmesan sauce ties it all together with buttery richness.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts or 4 boneless chicken thighs
8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and coat both sides with Cajun seasoning.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.
3. Cook penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Add heavy cream, scrape browned bits, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add penne to the sauce and a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed.
8. Slice the chicken and serve over pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken—searing for 4–5 minutes per side is usually enough.
For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Cajun fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: cheesy penne, Cajun chicken pasta, garlic parmesan cream, skillet dinner