Let me tell you—this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce might be one of the best dinners I’ve made in a long time. It’s everything I crave in one plate: smoky, spicy chicken seared until golden, buttery garlic flavors throughout, and a silky, cheesy cream sauce coating every bite of pasta. The moment I plated this dish, I knew it was a winner. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent, tastes gourmet, but comes together in your own kitchen without much fuss.

I first whipped this up on a chilly evening when I wanted something comforting but not boring. The Cajun seasoning adds the perfect heat to balance out the rich Parmesan sauce, and that buttery garlic on the chicken? Absolute perfection. The crispy golden crust on the outside and juicy tenderness inside makes it hard to resist eating straight from the skillet. I paired it with penne pasta because it soaks up the sauce like a dream—but honestly, the star is that Cajun butter-kissed chicken. This recipe has become a regular in my house, and I can’t wait for you to try it too.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

It’s packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor from Cajun spices and garlic butter.
The creamy Parmesan sauce is luscious and comforting without being too heavy.
Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.
One-pan magic for the chicken, and the pasta boils while the sauce simmers—great for multitaskers.
You can customize it endlessly (spice level, protein, pasta type, etc.).
It’s a full meal in one: protein, carbs, and cheesy comfort.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

Penne is my go-to for this dish because its hollow center and ridged surface cling to the creamy Parmesan sauce in all the right ways. That said, you’re not married to penne here—rigatoni, ziti, or even farfalle would be excellent alternatives. If you’re feeling adventurous, fettuccine or tagliatelle can add an elegant twist, giving the dish more of a restaurant-style feel. The key is to pick a pasta shape that captures the sauce and holds up against those hearty bites of chicken.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re missing an ingredient or catering to dietary needs, this recipe is flexible:

Chicken: Swap with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Asiago are fantastic swaps with similar sharpness.
Butter: Olive oil works in a pinch, but you’ll miss that luscious buttery flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: If you’re out, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) can make this gluten-free and lower in carbs.

Ingredients for Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Chicken Breast or Thighs: This is your protein base. It sears beautifully and soaks up the Cajun butter like a sponge.
Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding the creamy sauce inside and out.
Cajun Seasoning: Adds that bold, smoky spice that gives this dish its signature kick.
Garlic (freshly minced): Crucial for infusing the butter and chicken with deep, savory flavor.
Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and coat the chicken with rich flavor.
Heavy Cream: The foundation of the sauce—rich, thick, and essential for the velvety texture.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Melts into the cream to create a luxuriously cheesy sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Balances the Cajun heat with earthy herbs.
Salt and Pepper: Just the right touch enhances everything else.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden-brown sear on the chicken.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish—it adds freshness and color contrast.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks or strips. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and half the butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Stir in Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it simmer for 3–5 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with more Cajun spice if you want a spicier kick.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. If it feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra pinch of Parmesan before serving. Serve hot, straight from the skillet or on a big platter for a family-style dinner.

How Long to Cook Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it all comes together:

Pasta: 10–12 minutes to cook until al dente.
Chicken: 5–7 minutes to sear until golden and cooked through.
Sauce: 8–10 minutes to build flavor and melt the cheese.
Total Time: Around 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep!

It’s weeknight magic with weekend flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Remove it from heat once it’s just cooked through to keep it juicy.
Let the sauce simmer gently—boiling can cause it to break or become grainy.
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning at the end, especially if you’re heat-sensitive.
Reserve pasta water—it’s a great trick for loosening the sauce without thinning the flavor.
Stir constantly while adding the cheese to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
Garnish just before serving for the freshest burst of color and flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne can trip you up if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken will ruin the texture. Cook until just done, then remove it from the pan.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It doesn’t melt as well and can leave your sauce gritty. Always go for freshly grated Parmesan.
Adding Cream Over High Heat: This can cause the sauce to curdle. Simmer gently instead.
Skipping the Pasta Water: It helps emulsify the sauce and brings everything together beautifully.
Forgetting to Taste as You Go: Cajun seasoning can vary in saltiness and spice—adjust to your liking throughout the process.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

Pairing it with the right sides takes this meal to the next level. Here are some great companions:

Garlic Bread

Crispy edges, buttery flavor—it’s perfect for mopping up every drop of that creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine, creaminess of Caesar dressing, and zingy Parmesan make this a classic combo.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, slightly charred corn balances the spice in the dish beautifully.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze bring a bright, cooling contrast.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

Roasting adds a deep flavor that pairs nicely with creamy pasta.

Marinated Olives or Antipasto Platter

If you’re serving guests, this adds an elegant touch with minimal effort.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Light Red Wine

Not a side, but definitely a vibe. Great for date night or a cozy dinner.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Perfect for balancing the spice without adding more richness.

Storage Instructions

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne stores surprisingly well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezer: While possible, freezing isn’t ideal due to the cream sauce—it may separate when thawed. If you must, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the chicken and even cook the pasta ahead of time—just store them separately and combine everything when ready to eat.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: 690
Protein: 39g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 750mg
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 3g

These values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?

You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning like Slap Ya Mama, Tony Chachere’s, or McCormick. For more control, make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a bit of salt.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Start with a small amount of Cajun seasoning and taste before adding more. You can also mix it with smoked paprika for a milder version without losing the flavor.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be much thinner and less rich. Whole milk works better than low-fat, and adding a bit of cream cheese can help thicken it.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?

Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or even sharp white cheddar can work in a pinch, though it will slightly change the flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default—but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your Cajun seasoning is free from any additives containing gluten.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes! Cook the pasta and chicken in advance and store them separately. When ready, warm everything up with the sauce. It tastes just as amazing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your skillet is large enough. You don’t want to overcrowd the chicken or the sauce may not reduce properly.

What kind of pan should I use?

A large, deep nonstick or stainless-steel skillet works best. You want room to sear the chicken properly and toss everything with the sauce at the end.

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce hits that sweet spot of comfort food and bold, unforgettable flavor. From the juicy, spice-kissed chicken to the silky garlic Parmesan sauce that hugs every noodle, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing a date, or just spoiling yourself, this dish brings restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen—fast. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself craving it again before the dishes are even dry.