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Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne

A bold and creamy pasta dish that combines spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with garlicky butter sauce, melty cheddar, nutty parmesan, and perfectly cooked penne. This comforting one-skillet meal is rich, satisfying, and comes together in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cajun chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • For the garlic butter sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
  • For the pasta:
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup)
  • Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley or chopped green onions
  • Extra grated parmesan

Instructions

  1. Boil penne in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6–8 minutes until cooked and golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in cheddar and parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat in sauce.
  6. Return Cajun chicken to the pan and stir until everything is coated and heated through.
  7. Garnish with parsley, extra parmesan, and more Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Sear the chicken well for rich flavor.
  • Adjust Cajun spice level to your preference.
  • Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
  • To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm on the stovetop.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: cajun chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, cheddar parmesan penne