Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Cajun Cream Sauce: A Comforting Classic with a Zesty Twist
Are you craving a pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors? Look no further than this indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne coated in a luxurious Cajun Cream Sauce. With just the right balance of garlic, creaminess, and spice, it’s comfort food that feels gourmet—perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gathering. In this article, we’ll take you through every step, infused with expert chef tips, health insights, FAQs, and engaging visuals that’ll make this dish unforgettable.
Hook: Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
Imagine a perfectly cooked penne hugging a velvety cream sauce with hints of smoky paprika and Cajun fire, studded with succulent strips of chicken. It’s decadent yet approachable—like dining at a bistro, but made at home with ease and warmth. In just 40 minutes, you can elevate dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients & Preparation Overview
To start, let’s gather what you’ll need (with imperial to metric conversions included):
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.25 lbs (~570 g), cut into strips |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp (~15 ml) |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp (~28 g), plus extra if needed |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 Tbsp (~15 g) |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp (~1 g) |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Penne pasta | 12 oz (~340 g) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced (~9 g) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup (~240 ml) |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup (~120 ml) |
| Cream cheese | 2 oz (~57 g) |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup (~50 g) |
| Mozzarella (optional) | ½ cup (~50 g) |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp (~1 g) |
| Reserved pasta water | ½ cup (~120 ml), as needed |
| Garnish | Fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, sprinkle of Cajun seasoning |
Prep Time: 15 minutes **Cook Time:** 25 minutes **Servings:** 4 **Calories (approx.):** 860 kcal per serving
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Cook the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, following the package’s indicated time. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet over medium–high heat. Once the butter foam subsides, add the chicken strips in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—roughly 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
3. Create the Cajun Cream Sauce
If the skillet looks dry, drop in a little extra butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until aromatic, about 30 seconds—be careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add the cream cheese and whisk until completely smooth and incorporated. Stir in the Parmesan—and mozzarella if using—until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Season with optional red pepper flakes, plus salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta & Chicken
Add the cooked penne to the sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece. Return the chicken strips back into the skillet and fold them in. If the sauce is too thick, stir in portions of the reserved pasta water until you reach your ideal consistency.
5. Serve & Garnish
Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Top with a vibrant sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a dusting of extra Parmesan, and optionally a final pinch of Cajun seasoning for extra flair.
Expert Chef Tips
“Whenever I throw cream cheese into a sauce, I always break it into smaller dollops and whisk them slowly to ensure a silky finish,” says Chef Gordon Ramsay. “And let your garlic rest for a minute after chopping—it gives your allicin time to develop before the heat hits it.”
Chef Bobby Flay recommends using a skillet with good heat retention—cast iron works beautifully—just watch the heat so your dairy doesn’t curdle. And Ina Garten says, “For extra aroma and flavor, add garlic near the end, because otherwise much of its potency is lost.”
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Component | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Garlic | Rich in allicin, supports immune function, may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. |
| Heavy cream | Delivers healthy fats for energy and cellular function; also packed with calcium and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—but high in saturated fat and calories, so enjoy in moderation :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. |
| Chicken | Provides lean protein and essential amino acids. |
| Spices (Cajun blend, paprika) | Contain antioxidants and contribute to flavor depth without added salt. |
While this is an indulgent dish—creamy, cheesy, and rich—the garlic adds notable health value, and this recipe can be made lighter by substituting half‑and‑half for heavy cream or reducing cheese quantities.
10 FAQs: All You Need to Know
- Can I use whole‑wheat or gluten‑free penne?
Yes—whole-wheat adds fiber, while gluten-free varieties work if you’re avoiding gluten. - Can I swap chicken for shrimp or sausage?
Absolutely—shrimp cooks quickly, and Cajun sausage adds a smoky twist. - How do I thin the sauce when reheating?
Stir in reserved pasta water gradually to restore creaminess. - Can I reduce the calories?
Use light cream, skip the mozzarella, or reduce cheese amounts to lighten the dish. - What if I can’t eat garlic due to IBS?
Use garlic-infused oil for flavor without the fructans :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. - How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days; reheat gently over low heat, using pasta water to revive the sauce. - Can I freeze this?
Cream sauces don’t freeze well—they may separate. Freeze components separately if needed. - Can I make it ahead?
Yes—prep chicken and cook pasta ahead; assemble sauce just before serving for best texture. - What wine pairs well?
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness; for red, try a light Pinot Noir. - Is the garlic still healthy when cooked?
While some allicin may diminish with heat, much of garlic’s beneficial compounds remain—adding it toward the end maximizes benefit :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Safety & Health Considerations
- If you’re on blood-thinning medication, consult your physician before increasing garlic intake, as it can enhance blood-thinning effects :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Heavy cream is rich in saturated fats—therefore, keep portion size mindful or lighten the recipe when needed.
- Garlic may trigger digestive sensitivity in IBS; garlic-infused oil is a GI-friendly alternative :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Internal Links & Further Reading
For more delicious ideas, explore our in‑depth guides like Ultimate 30‑Minute Dinner Mates (great for quick weeknights), or get inspired by our Guide to Creamy Sauces for mastering texture and flavor.
Wrap‑Up: Why This Recipe Wins Every Time
This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne in Cajun Cream Sauce is the perfect blend of bold flavors, creamy comfort, and garlic’s healthful punch—brought together in under 45 minutes. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, it’s destined to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a cozy night in or a dinner party, this dish delivers both satisfaction and sophistication.
Enjoy creating and cooking with confidence—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!
