Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce

Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce is a comforting, flavor-packed pasta dish that brings the heart of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. It combines tender chicken breast, bold Cajun spices, and a luxuriously creamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta.

The combination of smoky heat and velvety cream creates an unforgettable bite every time. It’s an excellent dinner idea for weeknights when you want something quick yet indulgent, or even for entertaining guests who appreciate a little spice with their comfort food.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances spice, creaminess, and flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a deep warmth and smoky kick, while the creamy sauce smooths it out, creating harmony in every mouthful.

It’s one of those dishes that feels restaurant-quality but can easily be made at home with simple ingredients. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can add shrimp, sausage, or extra veggies to fit your taste. It’s my go-to comfort meal whenever I crave something hearty, spicy, and satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it blends bold Southern flavors with creamy Italian-style indulgence. The spicy Cajun seasoning gives it character, while the cream sauce makes it irresistibly rich. It’s easy to prepare, ready in under an hour, and looks as good as it tastes—making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Whether you’re a spice lover or simply looking to elevate your pasta game, this Cajun chicken penne will impress anyone who takes a bite.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: Approximately 620 kcal per serving

Cuisine: Cajun-American Fusion

Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, then cook in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
3. In the same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, and add cream and broth.
4. Stir in Parmesan, paprika, and cayenne. Simmer until thickened.
5. Toss in the pasta and sliced chicken, coating evenly in sauce.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Coat chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove, rest for a few minutes, then slice.
3. Make Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously.
4. Add Cheese & Seasoning: Mix in Parmesan, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add tomatoes if desired.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve this Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne hot in deep pasta bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a dash of Cajun seasoning. Pair it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta; it will absorb some sauce as it sits.
• Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the Cajun seasoning.
• Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Variations

• Shrimp Cajun Pasta: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone for extra richness.
• Smoky Sausage Version: Add sliced and sautéed Andouille sausage for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sauce whisk
• Pasta pot
• Tongs or wooden spoon

FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, store-bought Cajun seasoning works perfectly, but you can also make your own for more control over the spice level.

Q2: Can I substitute heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Q3: How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild Cajun seasoning.

Q4: What pasta shapes can I use instead of penne?
Rotini, fettuccine, or rigatoni also work well for holding the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Spicy Cajun Chicken Penne with Cream Sauce is a sensational, flavor-forward dish that delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy indulgence and bold spice, all wrapped up in a satisfying pasta bowl.

Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite that you’ll crave again and again. Enjoy every creamy, spicy forkfu