Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings together bold flavors, creamy indulgence, and a touch of spice, the Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta is your new go-to comfort meal. This dish marries tender strips of Cajun-seasoned chicken with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta delivers in both taste and ease, making it a beloved favorite in any kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing a unique flavor, texture, or color that elevates the dish to something unforgettable. From the smoky spices on the chicken to the creamy richness of the sauce, every element plays an important role.

• Chicken breasts: Use fresh, boneless, and skinless to ensure tender strips that soak up Cajun seasoning perfectly.
• Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil helps sear the chicken, adding richness and depth.
• Cajun seasoning: This blend brings the signature spice and smokiness essential for authentic flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a mild heat and vibrant color to the chicken coating.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to balance out the flavors.
• Penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce while providing satisfying bite.
• Unsalted butter: Brings a silky richness to the sautéed vegetables and sauce base.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch to the creamy sauce.
• Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed for sweetness and texture contrast.
• Red bell pepper: Adds color and a subtle crunch that brightens the dish.
• Heavy cream: The heart of the dish’s luscious sauce, creating that indulgent texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Offers umami depth and a slightly salty finish to the cream sauce.
• Chili flakes (optional): For those who want an extra touch of heat.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant green color as a garnish.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—seasoning the water is key for flavorful pasta. Cook the penne until al dente according to the package directions, then drain it, reserving about half a cup of pasta water. This reserved water will help loosen your sauce later and ensure it clings beautifully to every piece of pasta.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, toss your chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. The key here is to let the chicken develop a nice crust without overcooking, ensuring juiciness and that wonderful smoky flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables for the Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and add your finely chopped onion first, cooking it for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to soften and release its sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Toss in the red bell pepper slices and let them cook another 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp, providing a fresh and colorful contrast to the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sautéed veggies. Add the grated Parmesan and stir gently until you get a smooth, cheesy sauce. If you love a bit of spice, this is the moment to sprinkle in some chili flakes for that extra kick. The sauce should be rich but not too thick, so you can loosen it as needed with the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together with the penne pasta. Use the reserved pasta water little by little if the sauce feels too thick—this trick will help coat the pasta evenly and keep the dish perfectly creamy. Give it a final stir, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor and creaminess.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a must for garnishing this dish. It adds a hint of color and freshness that balances the creaminess of the sauce beautifully. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan just before serving. This adds a salty, umami boost that feels simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta is truly a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables works wonderfully. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also pairs perfectly, ready to sop up all that creamy goodness left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta in shallow pasta bowls and top each portion with a sprig of fresh parsley and a twist of black pepper. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors. Presentation doesn’t need to be complicated—sometimes simplicity highlights the true star of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of the Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, preserving the creamy texture and spicy notes beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the cream sauce may slightly separate upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled pasta in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky consistency if the sauce thickens too much. This way, the Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta stays just as delicious as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for holding onto the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work just as well and provide a slightly different texture.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes to your preference.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to stay juicier. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but remain tender.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Try swapping heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. Just note this will change the flavor slightly but still remain delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Creamy Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne Pasta that keeps people coming back for more. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, with just the right balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh notes. If you haven’t tried making this at home yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so—you might just discover your new favorite pasta dinner that gets better every time you make it.