Description

This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful one-pan dinner combining tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. A creamy pasta recipe perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

8 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add Cajun seasoning and stir briefly.

4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

5. Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional extra Parmesan or parsley.

Notes

Let sauce simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Reserve pasta water to control sauce consistency.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 560
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 125mg