Introduction
This Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a crave-worthy dish built for pasta night comfort. With seared, golden chicken seasoned in bold Cajun spices and a rich, velvety three-cheese sauce coating every swirl of penne, it delivers warmth, spice, and creaminess in each bite.
If you’re searching for Cajun garlic parmesan chicken pasta or just need a creamy pasta recipe with big flavor, this one brings it all together—without the need for a restaurant or complicated prep. The garlic and parmesan add classic depth, while Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat. It’s indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients Overview
Each ingredient helps balance creamy richness with Cajun kick, and makes the whole dish feel cozy and satisfying.
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Chicken Breast or Thighs: Sliced thinly for quick, even cooking. Boneless skinless breasts work well, but thighs offer extra moisture and flavor. Marinated briefly in Cajun spices for bold taste.
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Penne Pasta: A sturdy pasta that holds creamy sauce in its ridges. Rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini can be substituted if preferred.
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Cajun Seasoning: A smoky-spicy blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne. Store-bought or homemade both work—adjust heat to your preference.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds savory depth and blends seamlessly into the butter and cheese sauce.
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Butter & Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and form the flavorful base for the sauce.
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Heavy Cream: For a smooth, rich texture in the sauce. Avoid lower-fat milk, which may separate under heat.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty umami flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and texture.
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Mozzarella & Cream Cheese: Mozzarella adds stretchiness and mild creaminess, while cream cheese gives body and a subtle tang to the sauce.
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Fresh Parsley or Basil: For a fresh, herbal finish that cuts through the richness.
Ingredient Swaps & Options:
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Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
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Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
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Swap chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage for a variation.
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For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and vegan cheeses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pasta comes together in about 30–35 minutes and is best served warm and fresh.
1. Cook the pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions.
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Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
2. Season and sear the chicken:
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Slice 1 lb of chicken breasts into thin strips.
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Season generously with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the sauce:
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In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30–60 seconds.
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Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Lower the heat, then stir in:
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¾ cup shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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2 oz cream cheese (cut into pieces)
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Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if too thick.
4. Combine and finish:
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Add cooked pasta and seared chicken to the sauce.
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Toss everything to coat well. Let simmer for 2 minutes so flavors meld.
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Taste and adjust seasoning—add more Cajun spice, salt, or Parmesan as needed.
5. Garnish and serve:
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Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
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Optional: Serve with garlic bread, a squeeze of lemon, or chili flakes on top for more heat.
Cooking Tips:
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Don’t overcook the chicken—just a deep golden crust and juicy center.
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Add a dash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the richness.
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Keep the sauce warm but not boiling once cheese is added to prevent separation.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Pro Cooking Tips:
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Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending into the sauce.
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Always shred your cheese fresh—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
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Add cooked pasta to the sauce while it’s still hot to absorb maximum flavor.
Flavor Variations:
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Smoky Bacon Cajun Pasta: Add cooked bacon pieces for smoky crunch.
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Spicy Cajun Alfredo: Add more cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
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Veggie-Loaded Version: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
Substitutions for Special Diets:
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Low-carb: Use spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash in place of penne.
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Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
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Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or meatless sausage.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This creamy Cajun pasta fits into many dinner moods:
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Weeknight Pasta Night – Serve with roasted green beans or broccoli.
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Date Night In – Light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and dig into this rich bowl together.
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Family Dinner – It’s filling and can be doubled to feed a group.
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Potluck Favorite – Bring it in a warm tray; it holds well and reheats nicely.
Serve with:
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Garlic bread or focaccia
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Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
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A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir
Nutritional & Health Notes
While indulgent, this dish is also satisfying and rich in protein:
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Chicken offers lean protein to balance the carbs in pasta.
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Cheeses and cream add fats and flavor—keep portion size in check for balance.
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Pasta provides energy, especially if you use whole grain or lentil-based options for added fiber.
Healthier swaps:
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Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream (with some cornstarch for thickening).
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Serve over a bed of sautéed greens to reduce carbs and boost nutrients.
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Reduce cheese by 25% and add pureed roasted red pepper for body and color.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Cajun garlic parmesan pasta ahead of time?
A1: Yes. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen before serving.
Q2: What type of Cajun seasoning should I use?
A2: Choose a store-bought blend with minimal salt so you can control the seasoning, or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and onion powder.
Q3: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A3: Whole milk may work, but the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.
Q4: What if my sauce turns grainy?
A4: This happens if the cheese is overheated. Keep the heat low when adding cheese, and stir constantly.
Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A5: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. It’s best to store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Q6: What’s the best pasta shape besides penne?
A6: Rotini, rigatoni, or cavatappi work great—anything with ridges to hold sauce.
Q7: How do I make it spicier?
A7: Add extra cayenne, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
Print
Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Creamy Three-Cheese Penne
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy Cajun garlic parmesan chicken pasta made with juicy chicken and a rich three-cheese sauce over penne. Bold, comforting, and ideal for a cozy pasta night.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
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8 oz penne pasta
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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¾ cup mozzarella, shredded
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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2 oz cream cheese
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
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Season chicken with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper. Sear in oil and 1 tbsp butter until golden. Set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
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Add cream. Simmer gently. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
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Add pasta and chicken. Toss to coat. Use pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
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Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh cheese for smooth melting. Swap chicken with shrimp or sausage for variation. Adjust Cajun heat to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, American Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: ~620 per serving