Description
Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne, and a creamy Cajun-spiced garlic butter sauce topped with gooey mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a kick of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet, mixing well to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- For a smoky twist, add cooked and sliced andouille sausage.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: chicken penne, cajun pasta, mozzarella garlic butter sauce, creamy chicken pasta