That sounds incredible — creamy, spicy, garlicky, cheesy perfection! 🍝🔥
Here’s a full recipe for Cajun Chicken Penne in a Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce that’s restaurant-level good but easy to make at home.
🍗 Cajun Chicken Penne with Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce
🧂 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1–1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the pasta & sauce:
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, to thin sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Boil penne in salted water until al dente (about 10 minutes).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Cajun chicken
- Pat chicken dry and coat both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate; rest for a few minutes, then slice.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce
- In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor), add 3 tbsp butter.
- Once melted, add garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and (if using) chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until creamy.
4. Combine
- Add cooked penne to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Return sliced chicken to the pan and toss gently to combine.
- Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
5. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Sprinkle a bit more Parmesan and Cajun seasoning on top for extra flair.
🧀 Tips
- For a smokier flavor, use blackened seasoning instead of Cajun.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for color and sweetness.
- Want it extra cheesy? Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella right before serving.
🌶️ Homemade Cajun Seasoning (optional)
Mix:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne (or more for spice)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Would you like me to give you a one-pan skillet version (less cleanup) or a baked Cajun chicken pasta variation next?
