This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a total weeknight game-changer. With its bold Cajun spice, juicy seared chicken, and a luscious cream sauce that clings to every bite of penne, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s quick, flavorful, and comes together in just about 30 minutes — making it the ideal dinner when you want something indulgent but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: You can pull this off in half an hour, start to finish. It’s a no-stress dinner that delivers big flavors.
Loaded with Flavor: Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat, the cream sauce smooths it out, and the chicken soaks it all in. Every bite is savory, rich, and a little spicy.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the spice, add veggies, swap the protein — this recipe is flexible enough to suit your cravings.
Perfectly Satisfying: This is the kind of dish that fills you up and leaves you happy. Creamy, comforting, and hearty without being heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy Cajun dream happen:

Penne Pasta: Holds onto the sauce beautifully. Feel free to use rigatoni or rotini if that’s what’s in your pantry.
Chicken Breast: Sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum surface area to soak in the spice. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show. Choose your favorite store-bought blend or make your own for more control over the heat.
Garlic: Minced and sautéed — it deepens the flavor of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce rich and luxurious. You can lighten it up with half-and-half, but the creamier, the better.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the sauce. Grate it fresh for best results.
Butter and Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and garlic, and adding richness to the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing everything into balance.
Parsley or Green Onions: For a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end.

Variations

Want to mix it up? Try one of these tasty twists:

Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Swap the Protein: Shrimp works wonderfully here, or go meatless with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian spin.
Extra Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños if you like it fiery.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for an ultra-cheesy version.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Toss the chicken slices in Cajun seasoning. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant — just about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, toss in the cooked penne, and stir everything together. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the pasta can soak up all the creamy goodness. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley or green onions and more Parmesan if you’re feeling generous. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear just until it’s golden and cooked through. Overcooked chicken dries out fast.
Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a world of difference in the final flavor of the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: A splash of it can loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.

How to Serve

This pasta is rich and satisfying all on its own, but here are a few ways to round out the meal:

Bread:

Serve with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to mop up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

Salad:

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness perfectly.

Wine Pairing:

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the creamy-spicy combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing — the cream sauce can separate — but if you must, freeze in a tightly sealed container and thaw gently in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauciness. Microwave works too, just stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a mild version. You can also stir in a little extra cream to mellow out the heat.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Technically yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich or silky. If you’re using milk, add a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?
Use your favorite blend — some are spicier than others. Look for one with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne for that classic flavor.

Can I prep any parts ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and sear the chicken ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge, then reheat gently while you make the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s comfort food with a little kick — and just might be your new favorite pasta dish. Give it a try tonight and see for yourself!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe