If you love a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a bit of a spicy kick, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe is going to steal your heart—and your dinner table. This recipe brings together perfectly seasoned Cajun chicken tucked over al dente penne pasta, all smothered in a luscious garlic-infused mozzarella sauce that’s both rich and comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this pasta promises to deliver satisfaction in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make this dish shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—the Cajun seasoning adds that aromatic heat, the cheeses bring melty, gooey goodness, and fresh parsley finishes it off with a pop of color and brightness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein base that soaks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- Cajun seasoning: A spicy blend that gives the dish its signature kick and depth of flavor.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden, flavorful crust.
- Butter: Used in two steps for richness and to mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
- Penne pasta: Its tube shape is ideal for holding the creamy sauce inside and out.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh and fragrant, it infuses the sauce with a savory backbone.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth sauce texture everyone will adore.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that creamy, sticky element.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella’s mildness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness and vibrant green color to finish.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly balance and elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry; this helps the Cajun seasoning stick better. Rub a generous layer of Cajun seasoning on both sides of each breast so every bite packs a flavorful punch. Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest—this lets the juices redistribute for a moist, tender bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Penne Pasta
While the chicken is resting, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente, which means it still has a nice bite to it. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will come in handy for adjusting the sauce consistency later to ensure it clings perfectly to every noodle.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
In the same skillet that cooked the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with garlic’s mellow pungency. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer—avoid boiling, as that could change the texture of the cream. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to introduce the pasta to the sauce. Toss the al dente penne into the skillet and stir well to coat every tube in that creamy garlic mozzarella goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta, creating that luscious, silky texture.
Step 5: Slice Chicken and Assemble
Slice the rested Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts into strips and arrange them beautifully on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the dish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a vivid green pop and a fresh note that cuts through the richness perfectly. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and taste, consider topping the pasta with freshly cracked black pepper, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, or a little drizzle of good quality olive oil. Red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat boost if you like things spicier.
Side Dishes
This hearty and rich pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus offer a refreshing balance and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls and layering the sliced chicken on top in a fan pattern. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil for that restaurant-quality look. Alternatively, bake the assembled pasta with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors may even deepen and meld wonderfully overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but since it contains cream and cheese, it’s best to freeze it before mixing the pasta with the sauce. Portion the chicken and pasta separately and freeze them in airtight containers for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms so it doesn’t dry out or become grainy. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly because its shape holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular penne pasta for a gluten-free version. Just be mindful to cook the pasta as per package instructions since gluten-free types often require different cooking times.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan?
Feel free to experiment. Cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar can add interesting layers of flavor, though the classic mozzarella and Parmesan combination hits that perfect creamy and nutty balance.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate level of heat and smokiness, but it’s quite balanced by the creamy sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount or use a mild Cajun blend without cayenne.
Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat and assemble with the sauce when ready to serve for a quick and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. It combines the perfect amount of spice, creaminess, and cheesy comfort all in one harmonious dish. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with garnishes or sides you love—this pasta is as versatile as it is delicious. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every flavorful forkful!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful and indulgent dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and served over al dente penne pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to this comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (divided)
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and evenly rub both sides with Cajun seasoning to ensure bold flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently while gradually adding mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange on top of the creamy pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh finish. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for tossing in sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with basil or chives for a different herb flavor.
