This Southern Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne is rich, bold, and irresistibly comforting. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender penne pasta, and a luxurious garlic Parmesan cream sauce come together with just enough Southern heat to keep things exciting. Every bite is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor — the ultimate comfort pasta for busy nights or indulgent weekends.
If you love creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipes, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Penne
- Rich and indulgent garlic Parmesan cream sauce
- Bold Cajun chicken pasta flavor with Southern warmth
- Easy one-skillet dinner (perfect for weeknights)
- Family-friendly with adjustable spice level
- High-RPM comfort food readers can’t resist
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese until the sauce is smooth, thick, and creamy.
- Add cooked penne and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Penne
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread or buttered rolls
- Simple green salad
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Southern-style cornbread
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Full-fat cream = richer texture and better RPM 😉
- Reduce Cajun seasoning for mild, or add extra red pepper flakes for heat
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~620 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Southern / American
