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

Scale

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

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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.