Description

Spicy, creamy, and irresistibly rich—this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the kind of quick dinner that satisfies every craving. It’s packed with smoky Cajun flavor, juicy garlic butter-seared chicken, and coated in a velvety Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Ideal for a comforting weeknight meal or an easy dinner party dish, this is one of those quick dinner recipes that feel like you’ve spent hours. Perfect for anyone looking for dinner ideas, easy recipes, or just bold food ideas that deliver every time.

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

10 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

2. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

3. Heat olive oil and 1½ tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in Italian seasoning, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.

6. Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce is smooth. Adjust Cajun spice if desired.

7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and toss to combine. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.

8. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoother and gives the best texture to the sauce.

Don’t skip the pasta water! It’s a great way to adjust sauce thickness naturally.

If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 690
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, creamy pasta, chicken penne, food ideas, dinner ideas