If there’s one dish I always come back to when I want to impress without overcomplicating things, it’s this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce. The moment the spicy aroma of Cajun seasoning hits the skillet, I know dinner is going to be a hit. The tender, seared chicken coated in garlic butter paired with that rich, velvety Parmesan sauce hugging every piece of penne—it’s indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly simple to whip up.

This isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s the kind of meal that silences a room. That creamy sauce clings to the pasta just right, the seasoned chicken adds a flavorful kick, and every bite is layered with bold flavor. I’ve made this for everything from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, and it never fails to impress. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this is one of my go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Packed with bold, savory flavor – from the smoky Cajun spices to the rich garlic butter.
Creamy, cheesy sauce that feels like something you’d get at a restaurant.
One-pan chicken perfection – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
Hearty and filling – thanks to the pasta and protein-packed chicken.
Perfect for weeknights or guests – fast enough for dinner, fancy enough for company.
Customizable heat level – keep it mild or turn up the Cajun spice.
Leftovers reheat beautifully (if you even have any left!).

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

I almost always reach for penne when making this recipe because the tube shape holds onto the creamy Parmesan sauce so well. The ridges on penne also help catch bits of seasoning and garlic, making every bite flavorful. But if you don’t have penne on hand, don’t stress—this dish is versatile.

Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even rotini can easily step in. The key is to use a pasta that can hold sauce without getting lost in it. You want something with enough body to balance the richness of the chicken and cream sauce. Long noodles like spaghetti won’t quite have the same satisfying texture, but they can still work in a pinch.

Options for Substitutions

Need to make a few swaps? Here are some great alternatives:

Chicken thighs instead of chicken breast: they’re juicier and more forgiving.
Half and half or milk in place of heavy cream: the sauce will be lighter but still creamy.
Mozzarella or asiago in place of Parmesan: for a slightly different cheesy twist.
Butter alternatives like ghee or olive oil: if you’re cutting dairy.
Vegetarian version: swap the chicken with mushrooms or grilled tofu for a satisfying meat-free option.
Gluten-free pasta: if you’re avoiding gluten, use your favorite GF penne.

The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re cooking with what’s in your pantry or catering to a diet, you can still make a killer version of this meal.

Ingredients for Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Every ingredient in this dish plays a flavorful role, coming together to create a balanced and irresistible plate. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – They’re lean, cook quickly, and soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Cajun seasoning – This is the heart of the flavor. Smoky, spicy, and just a little kick to elevate the dish.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing out the depth in every ingredient.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create that luscious garlic sauce.
Garlic cloves (minced) – Fresh garlic infuses the butter and chicken with bold flavor.
Heavy cream – Forms the base of the creamy sauce, giving it that indulgent texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and perfect for thickening the sauce naturally.
Penne pasta – Ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce and balancing the hearty chicken.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and keeps it juicy.
Parsley (optional garnish) – Adds a fresh pop of color and contrast to the richness of the dish.

Each of these components contributes something essential, and when they all come together—magic.

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

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

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear until golden and cooked through—about 5–6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn!

Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, then gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until the noodles are well coated. Then fold in the Cajun chicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while everything is hot and creamy. Optional: add extra grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

How Long to Cook Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This recipe comes together pretty quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times:

Pasta: 10–12 minutes
Chicken: 6–8 minutes (depending on the size of the pieces)
Sauce: 5–7 minutes to simmer and thicken
Total Cook Time: About 25–30 minutes

It’s a great option when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but didn’t.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Don’t overcook the pasta. Stop at al dente so it holds up when mixed into the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts smoother than the pre-shredded kind and avoids a grainy sauce.
Let the chicken brown. Don’t move it too much while searing—you want that golden crust.
Season in layers. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt or Cajun spice if needed.
Use pasta water wisely. A splash can help emulsify the sauce and get that perfect texture.
Balance the heat. Cajun seasoning varies in spice level—start light and build up.
Keep the heat low when adding cheese. High heat can cause the sauce to separate.

A few mindful steps make all the difference between good and unforgettable.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are the common missteps to avoid:

Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breast dries out fast. Cook just until it’s no longer pink in the center, then remove from heat.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly—30 seconds is usually enough. Burnt garlic turns bitter and will overpower the dish.
Using too much Cajun seasoning too early: If you’re unsure of the heat level, start with less and add more after tasting the sauce.
Adding cheese to boiling sauce: High heat can cause the Parmesan to clump. Lower the heat and add cheese slowly while stirring.
Skipping the pasta water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency—don’t drain it all.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that make it hard to melt smoothly.
Not tasting as you go: Layers of seasoning make this dish sing. Keep tasting and adjusting.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with something light or fresh creates a balanced meal. Here are some tasty sides that work beautifully:

Mixed Green Salad

A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the sauce.

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli’s mild bitterness complements the cheesy cream sauce perfectly.

Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette

Great for mopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A burst of sweetness and acidity that contrasts the savory depth of the dish.

Sautéed Spinach

Fast to make and adds a lovely earthy note to the plate.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

Bright and fresh, it helps lighten the overall meal.

Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

Cool and crunchy, this simple salad gives a refreshing counterpoint to the spice.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne are just as satisfying the next day—maybe even better! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat on the stove: Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Warm over medium-low heat while stirring gently.
Microwave option: Heat in short bursts (30–45 seconds), stirring in between. Again, a splash of liquid helps revive the creaminess.
Freezing isn’t ideal because the creamy sauce can separate once thawed. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the Parmesan sauce, then make the sauce fresh when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 4 servings)

Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size.

Calories: 670
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 870mg

This is definitely a hearty, indulgent dish—perfect for when you want something rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?

You can use any store-bought Cajun blend, but check the label—some are spicier than others. I prefer a medium-heat blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for balance.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Just reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also stir in a little extra cream or cheese to mellow the heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works! Just slice it up and toss it in with the pasta at the end to warm through. You’ll miss the seared Cajun crust, but it’ll still taste great.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

You can substitute dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives. The texture may change slightly, but the flavors still work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can cook everything and store it separately—pasta, chicken, and sauce. Reheat and combine when ready to serve for the best texture.

What’s the best pasta alternative for gluten-free diets?

Use gluten-free penne made from rice, corn, or lentils. Just be careful not to overcook—it tends to break more easily than wheat pasta.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully. Sauté them after the chicken or fold in at the end.

How can I make this more saucy?

Add extra cream and Parmesan, or stir in reserved pasta water. This loosens the sauce while keeping it creamy and rich.

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is one of those recipes that hits every craving—comforting, bold, creamy, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just feeding your weeknight appetite, this dish delivers flavor with minimal fuss. It’s easy to make, even easier to customize, and hard not to fall in love with. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation.