Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne with Cheesy Cajun Mozzarella Sauce

If you love a dish that’s indulgent, creamy, and bursting with flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne with Cheesy Cajun Mozzarella Sauce. Imagine tender, juicy chicken seared to perfection, tossed with al dente penne pasta, all smothered in a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Cajun-inspired cheese sauce. This is the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights at home or a weeknight dinner that impresses without the fuss.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding friends, or treating yourself to a decadent solo meal, this recipe combines bold, aromatic flavors with a luxurious texture that makes every bite irresistible. And the best part? You can have it on the table in just 35 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne

Here’s why this dish will quickly become a favorite:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes without compromising flavor.
• Creamy & Cheesy: A decadent blend of Velveeta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
• Flavor Explosion: Garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs make every bite dynamic.
• Perfectly Balanced: Tender chicken, al dente penne, and a rich sauce with just the right spice.
• Family-Friendly: A comforting meal that kids and adults alike will love.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients, grouped for clarity. This recipe makes 3 servings.

Protein:

• 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips

Pasta:

• 10 oz penne pasta

Sauce Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Cheeses:

• 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning & Garnish:

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Tip: All these ingredients are easily accessible in most grocery stores, making this a convenient yet impressive meal.

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan (for chicken and sauce)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spatula (for stirring sauce)
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spoon for tossing pasta
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

Having these tools ready will make cooking seamless and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfectly cooked chicken penne in creamy Cajun mozzarella sauce.

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue to absorb sauce, so slightly firmer is better.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken strips dry with a paper towel.
2. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and sear for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.

Pro Tip: Patting chicken dry ensures a golden, crispy sear instead of steaming it in the pan.

3. Start the Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet.
2. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Garlic forms the aromatic base of the sauce, infusing every bite with flavor.

4. Build the Sauce Base

1. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

The cream and broth combination creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.

5. Melt the Cheeses

1. Add Velveeta and cream cheese first, whisking until smooth.
2. Gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until the sauce turns glossy, thick, and creamy.

Chef’s Tip: Gradually adding cheese prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, silky texture.

6. Season the Sauce

1. Stir in Italian seasoning and a pinch of extra Cajun spice for a flavor boost.
2. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Simmer on low for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

The seasoning elevates the richness of the sauce and adds depth to the Cajun flavor profile.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece with the cheesy sauce.
2. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier consistency.

This step ensures every bite of pasta is enveloped in creamy, cheesy goodness.

8. Return Chicken to the Skillet

1. Place the cooked chicken on top of the pasta.
2. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and pasta.
3. Let warm together for 1–2 minutes before removing from heat.

9. Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the creamy Cajun penne on a serving dish.
2. Arrange the chicken strips beside or atop the pasta.
3. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Tip: A wide, shallow bowl highlights the creamy sauce and allows for easy mixing while eating.

Tips & Variations

• Spice Adjustment: Increase or decrease Cajun seasoning according to your preference.
• Vegetable Addition: Sauté bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrients and texture.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Protein Swap: Shrimp or sausage works as an alternative to chicken.
• Low-Fat Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a lower-fat cheese blend.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and aromatic from garlic and Cajun seasoning.
• Chicken: Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with a subtle smoky note from paprika.
• Pasta: Al dente penne absorbs the sauce, making every bite comforting.

Suggested Side Dishes: Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to balance richness.

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (3 servings total):

• Calories: 910 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 60g (Saturated: 30g)
• Fiber: 3g
• Cholesterol: 210mg
• Sodium: 900mg

This is a filling, protein-rich meal ideal for dinner when you want indulgence and sustenance.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Can be cooked ahead and reheated gently in the sauce.
• Pasta: Cooked al dente and stored separately; reheat by tossing in warm sauce.
• Sauce: Can be prepped and kept in the fridge; reheat slowly on low to prevent separation.

This ensures you can assemble this dish quickly on busy nights.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Fettuccine, penne rigate, or rotini all work beautifully with this creamy sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap penne for a gluten-free pasta.

3. How can I make it spicier?
Add extra Cajun seasoning, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.

4. Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Yes, though freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a more vibrant flavor.

5. How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Prep pasta & chicken	5 min	Season chicken, measure ingredients
Cook pasta	10 min	Al dente
Sear chicken	6–8 min	Medium-high heat
Make sauce	7–8 min	Melt cheeses & simmer
Combine pasta & chicken	3 min	Coat pasta & warm chicken
Garnish & serve	1 min	Parsley & Parmesan
Total	35 min	Ready to enjoy

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in wide bowls to showcase creamy sauce.
• Garnish generously with parsley and a light Parmesan sprinkle.
• Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for balance.

Recipe Variations

1. Smoky Bacon & Chicken Penne: Add cooked bacon bits for extra smokiness.
2. Vegetable Lover’s Cajun Penne: Include zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
3. Spicy Shrimp Version: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
4. Extra Cheesy: Double the mozzarella for a gooey, indulgent variation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cajun Seasoning

• Flavor: Smoky, slightly spicy, and aromatic.
• Tip: Toast lightly in a dry pan before seasoning chicken for a deeper flavor.

Velveeta & Cream Cheese

• Function: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Tip: Cubing cheese before adding ensures it melts evenly without clumping.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry for a golden sear.
• Simmer sauce gently—high heat can cause cheese to separate.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cooked Chicken: Freeze separately up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.
• Pasta: Best stored separately; freeze if necessary in airtight containers.
• Sauce: Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; do not freeze with pasta, as texture may suffer.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	910 kcal	Hearty, indulgent
Protein	45g	From chicken & cheeses
Carbs	60g	Penne pasta
Fat	60g	Cheese & cream
Saturated Fat	30g	From butter, cream, cheeses
Fiber	3g	Minimal
Cholesterol	210mg	Egg and cheese content
Sodium	900mg	From seasoning & cheeses

Expanded Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne with Cheesy Cajun Mozzarella Sauce is comfort food at its finest—rich, creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. From tender seared chicken to al dente penne and indulgent cheesy sauce, it’s a meal that’s perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you crave a little culinary indulgence.

The blend of garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a four-cheese sauce creates a harmonious, mouthwatering experience that’s sure to impress. Try it out, savor every bite, and make this your go-to creamy pasta recipe. Your family, friends, or even just you will thank you!

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