Here’s a Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce recipe that’s rich, spicy, and perfect for a comforting dinner. It combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with garlicky butter, al dente penne, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
🍗 Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
🔹 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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3 tbsp butter
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for deeper flavor)
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pasta:
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12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente and drained (reserve 1/2 cup pasta water)
Optional Garnish:
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Chopped parsley
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Extra Parmesan
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Squeeze of lemon for brightness
🔪 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
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Boil penne according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Chicken:
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Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning.
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Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
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In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
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Add 3 tbsp butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Stir in paprika and red pepper flakes. Let it bubble for another 30 seconds.
4. Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
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Add chicken broth and let simmer 1-2 minutes.
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Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything:
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Add cooked penne and reserved chicken back into the pan.
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Toss everything to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
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Let it all simmer together for 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
🍽️ To Serve:
Top with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a little lemon juice if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
