Oh, that sounds delicious! Here’s a rich and creamy Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce recipe that’s indulgent, cheesy, and has just the right amount of Cajun kick.
Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the pasta and chicken:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth until smooth.
- Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the cheese:
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and chicken:
- Add cooked penne and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread for maximum indulgence.
💡 Tips:
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 oz of cream cheese with the sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on how spicy you like it.
- You can add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
If you want, I can also make a one-pan version where the pasta cooks in the sauce with the chicken—super quick and saves cleanup. Do you want me to do that?
