Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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When you’re craving something comforting yet packed with bold, smoky flavor, Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce delivers on every level. Perfectly seared Cajun-spiced chicken breast rests on a bed of tender penne pasta drenched in a rich, creamy garlic mozzarella sauce. Every bite blends savory heat with luscious cheesiness—an indulgent balance that satisfies both spice-lovers and comfort food seekers.

This dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal, yet it’s incredibly achievable at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, or for entertaining guests who appreciate a little extra flavor on their plate. The kick of Cajun seasoning pairs beautifully with the velvety garlic cheese sauce, creating a pasta dish that’s anything but ordinary.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

• Bold & Creamy Flavor: The contrast between spicy Cajun chicken and smooth mozzarella sauce is divine.
• Easy Yet Impressive: It looks gourmet, but the steps are simple and beginner-friendly.
• One-Pan Possibility: With a little prep, you can minimize clean-up by cooking the sauce and pasta in one pan.
• Customizable: Swap out the protein, toss in veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Filling & Satisfying: The balance of carbs, protein, and creamy sauce makes it a complete meal.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (and Why They Matter)

To bring your Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce to life, you won’t need anything fancy, but the right tools make a big difference in speed and quality:

• Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Skillet – Crucial for getting that gorgeous, golden crust on your Cajun chicken. Nonstick pans just don’t sear as well.
• Large Pot for Pasta – You’ll need enough room to cook the penne evenly without sticking. A deep pot also helps keep the water at a rolling boil.
• Tongs – Useful for flipping chicken without losing the crust and for tossing pasta in sauce without breaking the noodles.
• Microplane or Garlic Press – For freshly minced garlic, which adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
• Whisk – Helps emulsify the sauce, especially when combining cheese and cream without clumping.
• Cutting Board + Sharp Knife – For cleanly slicing your chicken and prepping any herbs or garnishes.

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Preparation Tips

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensures uniform cooking, prevents dryness, and creates better surface contact for searing.
• Pat Chicken Dry Before Seasoning: This simple step makes seasoning stick better and helps create that crispy crust.
• Grate Mozzarella Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash to the sauce helps it cling beautifully to the penne.
• Season in Layers: Add a touch of salt during each step—while boiling pasta, while making sauce, and after slicing chicken.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this rich, flavorful pasta dish at home:

For the Cajun Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli)
• Salt for pasta water

For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

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This set of ingredients will generously serve 3–4 people, and you can easily double it for a crowd or meal prepping.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and stir in the minced garlic, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute.

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Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne into the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce until every piece is coated. Let it heat together for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.

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Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Top the creamy pasta with the sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and a light drizzle of extra cream or olive oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

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Notes

• Adjust Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, use less Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild version. For extra kick, sprinkle cayenne or chili flakes.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella Wisely: While fresh mozzarella is creamy, low-moisture, block-style mozzarella melts better in sauces.
• Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before slicing locks in juices and keeps it from drying out.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cajun seasoning can darken quickly—don’t mistake that for burning. Keep heat controlled and use a meat thermometer to avoid dryness.
• Boiling the Cream Sauce: Once cream is added, avoid high heat. Simmer gently to prevent splitting or curdling.
• Not Salting Pasta Water: Salted water enhances the pasta’s flavor. Bland pasta = bland dish.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It won’t melt smoothly due to anti-caking additives—grate your cheese fresh for a silky sauce.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold. It helps emulsify and bind the sauce to the pasta.

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What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce?

This rich and flavorful pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments that balance out the creaminess and spice.

Here Are 8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread – Classic, buttery, and crisp. Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
2. Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and tangy dressing contrast wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
3. Steamed Broccoli – A simple green veggie side that adds freshness and balance.
4. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned with lemon and olive oil, adds a fresh snap.
5. Caprese Salad – Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil provide a cool, acidic counterpoint.
6. Grilled Zucchini or Eggplant – Smoky, tender vegetables complement the Cajun heat.
7. Chilled White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay cuts through the richness.
8. Sparkling Water with Lemon – For a non-alcoholic pairing, it refreshes the palate between bites.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce tasting fresh, follow these simple storage guidelines:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
• Freezing: Not recommended. Cream-based sauces often separate when frozen and reheated, losing their smooth texture.
• Separate Chicken if Possible: Store chicken slices separately from pasta to maintain their crisp texture when reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~670
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne works great, but rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine also hold the sauce well.

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2. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes—use plant-based cream (like oat or cashew), and substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese. Choose a neutral, unsweetened version for best results.

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3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, store the sauce and pasta separately. Reheat gently before serving to avoid drying out the chicken or splitting the sauce.

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4. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix and adjust to taste.

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5. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make tasty additions without overpowering the sauce.

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6. What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Try shrimp, andouille sausage, or tofu for a twist. Just be sure to season and sear them well.

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7. How do I keep the sauce from clumping?

Use freshly grated cheese, add it slowly over low heat, and whisk continuously. Don’t boil the sauce after adding cheese.

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8. Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds mild to medium heat. You can control spice by using less seasoning or omitting any added red pepper flakes.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the perfect balance of bold flavors and creamy comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or serving guests something a little indulgent, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of spice, richness, and texture. It’s approachable, flexible, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ready to impress yourself? Grab your skillet—this creamy Cajun adventure is calling.

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