Hi, I’m Lina Rose, a New Yorker with a big sweet tooth and a soft spot for cozy kitchen moments. My love for creamy, spicy pasta started on a chilly evening when my grandma handed me her old cast-iron skillet and said, “Make something that wakes up your taste buds.” That night, the Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce was born, bold, creamy, and full of flavor that hugs you from the inside out. With juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, tender penne, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is everything comfort food should be: rich, simple, and satisfying. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner at home, this one-pan creamy Cajun pasta brings a little Southern heat to your kitchen. You’ll love how easy it is to make, especially if you’ve tried recipes like my Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo or Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
Table of Contents.
Table of Contents
Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce.
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce is a one-pan, 30-minute dinner packed with creamy Cajun flavor, juicy chicken, and perfectly coated pasta. It’s bold, comforting, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
8 oz linguine or penne pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1½–2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
3 garlic cloves, minced
⅔ cup diced tomatoes
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Season chicken with 1½ Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, slice thinly, and cover.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until creamy.
6. Toss pasta and chicken into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Serve hot with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture.
If you prefer extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Replace chicken with shrimp for a Cajun seafood twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern / Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce
This Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce hits that perfect balance between spicy and creamy. The bold Cajun seasoning gives the chicken its smoky kick, while the luscious cream sauce ties everything together in pure comfort. What makes this dish special is its simplicity; you only need one skillet and about 30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
The creamy Cajun sauce coats every bite of penne perfectly, making it irresistible for anyone who loves a good New Orleans–style pasta. It’s rich yet balanced, and it’s a great way to introduce your family to Cajun flavors without overpowering heat. For fans of easy skillet dinners, this recipe pairs beautifully with my Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole or Quick Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinners, both full of cozy, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients Needed for Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce (150 words)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce. These pantry staples come together fast, and the Cajun spice mix does all the flavor work for you.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Linguine or Penne Pasta | 8 oz |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 |
| Olive Oil | 2 tsp |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 Tbsp |
| Cajun Seasoning | 1½ to 2 Tbsp (divided) |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Diced Tomatoes | ⅔ cup |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1½ cups |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Fresh Parsley (finely chopped) | 2 Tbsp |
This recipe uses common ingredients but delivers restaurant-level flavor. For extra inspiration, check out Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta or Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti—both make perfect companions for this creamy Cajun dinner.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce
Making Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce is easier than it looks, and it all comes together in one pan. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, then drain it. Save a little pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through.
Remove the chicken and slice it into thin strips. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, then pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until thick and creamy, then toss in the pasta and chicken. Adjust with reserved water for extra silkiness. For another quick, creamy dinner, try my Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice or Garlic Butter Chicken and Mushroom.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Penne
A few smart tricks make this Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce restaurant-quality every time. First, use freshly grated Parmesan, which melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. Don’t skip saving pasta water; its starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to every noodle. For heat lovers, add an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning or a dash of smoked paprika.
When choosing pasta, penne or linguine both work well. The ridges of penne hold the sauce, while linguine gives a silky texture. Chicken breasts keep things lean, but you can swap for thighs if you want a richer flavor. Always cook your chicken to 165°F for tenderness.
Pair this creamy Cajun pasta with a crisp salad or a slice of buttery garlic bread. If you like this recipe, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo or Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole; both share that cozy, weeknight magic.
Serving Suggestions for Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce
This Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce shines as a complete meal, but a few sides take it from great to unforgettable. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy heat. A slice of garlic bread or buttery dinner roll helps soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a lighter pairing, add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans tossed in olive oil and lemon.
Because this recipe leans into Southern comfort flavors, it also complements other cozy dishes like my Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole or Quick Creamy Chicken and Rice Dinners. Both make excellent additions to a family-style dinner table. If you’re serving guests, sprinkling extra Parmesan and a touch of Cajun seasoning before serving it adds a pop of color and an extra hit of smoky spice everyone will love.
FAQs: Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce
How do you make Cajun chicken pasta creamy?
The key to a creamy texture is the combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce.
Is Cajun chicken pasta spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust it. For a balanced kick, use 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, then add more if you like bolder heat.
What pasta works best with Cajun sauce?
3. What pasta works best with Cajun sauce?
Penne and linguine are ideal since they hold the sauce beautifully. Their texture lets every bite capture both spice and cream.
Can I make this in one pan?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in the same skillet, then toss in the cooked pasta at the end. It’s a true one-pan Cajun pasta recipe perfect for weeknights.
For another creamy twist, you can explore my Baked Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti or Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta.
You May Also Like
If you love bold, creamy comfort food with a Southern twist, here are more recipes to explore. These dishes share the same cozy flavors, creamy sauces, and easy weeknight appeal that make Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce so special.
Try my Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole for golden-baked perfection, or myBuffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for a spicy, creamy favorite. If you want to stay within the Cajun family, Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo and Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta offer the same rich flavors with their own regional charm.
Each one delivers that mix of spice, cream, and comfort that’s perfect for busy evenings or lazy Sundays. These recipes are all beginner-friendly and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the aromas of the South, warm, bold, and irresistible.
Thank you for joining me in my kitchen for this Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce adventure! Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about bringing people together with flavors that feel like home. I hope this dish becomes one of your go-to comfort meals.
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love for you to stay connected! Follow me on Pinterest, X.com, Instagram, and Facebook for more easy weeknight meals, no-fuss desserts, and Southern favorites. Let’s keep sharing cozy, feel-good recipes one creamy pasta bowl at a time.