It’s the perfect restaurant-quality dinner you can make at home in **under an hour** — fancy enough for date night, but easy enough for a weeknight craving.

⏰ Timing & Servings

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Servings:

4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• **12 oz** penne pasta
• **3 tablespoons** unsalted butter
• **4 cloves** garlic, minced
• **1 teaspoon** Cajun seasoning (for the sauce)
• **1 cup** heavy cream
• **½ cup** chicken broth
• **1 cup** shredded mozzarella cheese
• **½ cup** freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• **½ teaspoon** crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• **2 tablespoons** chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Penne

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until **al dente**.
2. Drain, **reserving about ½ cup** of the pasta water, and set aside.

Tip: Toss the cooked pasta lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Toss them with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces and cook for **6–8 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for **30–45 seconds**, until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently.
4. Let the sauce **simmer for 3–4 minutes**, stirring often, until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Reduce the heat to **low**. Stir in the **mozzarella and Parmesan cheese** a little at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and glossy.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the **reserved pasta water** until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked penne and Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in that rich, cheesy, garlic butter sauce.
2. Let it simmer together for **1–2 minutes**, allowing the flavors to fully meld.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped **fresh parsley** and an extra dusting of Parmesan.
2. Serve hot, with warm garlic bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

✅ Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta

• **Use quality Cajun seasoning:** A blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs gives the best flavor.
• **Cook the chicken in batches:** Don’t overcrowd the pan or it’ll steam instead of sear.
• **Cheese choice matters:** Low-moisture mozzarella melts creamily without getting stringy.
• **Make it spicier:** Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to taste.
• **Vegetable twist:** Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more color and flavor.