Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Creamy Cajun chicken penne pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers both bold flavor and comforting richness in every bite. Juicy seasoned chicken, a silky Cajun cream sauce, and tender penne pasta come together in a dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This one-pan wonder brings restaurant-quality taste right to your table—with no fuss and minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🔥 Bold Cajun flavor: Smoky, spicy seasoning adds just the right kick
• 🥣 Creamy comfort: Rich sauce coats every bite of pasta and chicken
• 🕒 Quick & easy: From stove to table in under 30 minutes
• 🍗 Protein-packed: Satisfying and filling for the whole family
• 🧀 Customizable: Add veggies, change the pasta, or turn up the heat

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken: Toss sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, 6–8 minutes.
4. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Make sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir until slightly thickened, 3–5 minutes.
6. Combine pasta: Add cooked penne and Parmesan to the skillet. Stir until pasta is coated and creamy.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot!

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Cajun-American
• Course: Dinner, Main

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 36g
• Sodium: 900mg

Note: Nutrition varies with specific ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Add veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work well
• Spice it up: Use extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne
• Creamy tweak: Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much
• Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time
• Pasta swap: Try rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine for variety

FAQs

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat. Adjust to your taste by using more or less.

Can I make it ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

How do I reheat it?
Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

A bold and creamy Cajun pasta recipe featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, and penne. A quick, one-pan dinner with restaurant-quality flavor in 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 8 oz penne pasta
• – 1 lb chicken breast sliced
• – 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• – 1 tbsp olive oil
• – 2 cups heavy cream
• – 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• – 1 clove garlic minced
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet
• – Pasta pot
• – Knife & cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• – Colander

Method

 

1. Boil penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook until golden (6–8 minutes).
4. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add pasta and Parmesan. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

– Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge
– Add chicken broth to loosen sauce when reheating
– Great with sautéed veggies or extra cheese

Conclusion

This creamy Cajun chicken penne pasta is bold, rich, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this one-pan pasta is guaranteed to hit the spot. Try it once and you’ll see why it becomes a weeknight favorite.