🍗 Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce (Creamy, Spicy & Irresistible!)
If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, this Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce is about to become your new weeknight favorite. 🧄🧈
Tender, juicy chicken tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a silky Cajun-spiced garlic butter sauce — then finished with a generous handful of melted mozzarella. It’s rich, flavorful, and the kind of meal that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, yet comes together easily in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just yourself after a long day, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds a perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
- Creamy & cheesy: Mozzarella melts into the sauce for a dreamy, velvety texture.
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and all the flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap pasta types, or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside. - Season and cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the garlic butter sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. - Add the cheeses and seasonings:
Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Whisk gently until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts smoothly. - Combine everything:
Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in that luscious Cajun mozzarella garlic butter sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra mozzarella on top if you’d like a cheesy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
🌿 Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Penne
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and gives your sauce that perfect stretch.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it slightly firm so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Try different proteins: Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu make great substitutes for the chicken.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is rich enough to stand on its own, but you can make it a full meal with:
- A crisp Caesar salad or green side salad
- Warm garlic bread or buttered baguette slices
- A refreshing iced tea or sparkling lemonade on the side
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture.
- Not freezer-friendly — the dairy-based sauce may separate after thawing.
🔥 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great — just add it during the final toss with the sauce.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
3. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or bowties work just as well — use what you have on hand.
4. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with smoky undertones. You can control the heat by reducing the red pepper flakes or using a mild Cajun blend.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce is comfort food at its best — creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold Cajun flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for dinner guests.
Each bite is a perfect balance of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky, garlicky sauce kissed with spice. Once you try it, it’ll become one of those go-to recipes you’ll crave again and again. 🍗🍝✨
📌 Keywords for SEO
Cajun chicken penne, creamy Cajun pasta, mozzarella garlic butter pasta, Cajun chicken Alfredo, spicy chicken pasta recipe, weeknight pasta recipes, one pan chicken pasta, creamy garlic butter chicken penne.
Would you like me to add a Pinterest-style intro and meta description (with hashtags and a catchy opening line for Facebook or Instagram)? That can make your post even more shareable and rank better on search + social.