Description

Craving bold flavor and creamy indulgence? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—spicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for easy dinner ideas, this restaurant-style pasta blends juicy Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich garlic mozzarella cream sauce and al dente penne. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner, entertaining guests, or looking for new food ideas to add to your weekly menu, this recipe is sure to impress with both taste and simplicity. A must-try for lovers of bold and creamy pasta dishes.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

12 oz penne pasta

Salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 garlic cloves finely minced

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

¼ cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

5. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.

6. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, simmering for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

7. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

8. Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.

9. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference—meltier, smoother sauce.

Avoid boiling the cream after adding cheese to prevent separation.

Always let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 670
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, cajun chicken, easy dinner, comfort food