Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with a bold, zesty twist. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together faster than you’d think—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, the perfectly spiced chicken, and the tender penne pasta come together in a way that makes every bite completely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Make: This dish can be on your table in just about 30 minutes, start to finish. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients—just solid flavor.
Big Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning brings heat and depth, while the creamy sauce balances it all out beautifully. It’s spicy, savory, and totally satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: This is one of those meals that gets rave reviews from everyone—kids, adults, picky eaters, you name it.
One-Pan Option: You can do everything in one large skillet, which means fewer dishes. Yes, please!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these flavorful ingredients before you start:

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal—easy to cook and soaks up the Cajun spices perfectly. Chicken thighs can also work for more richness.
Penne pasta: Its shape is perfect for catching all that creamy, spicy sauce. Any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti will do in a pinch.
Cajun seasoning: This is the star of the show. Use a store-bought blend or make your own for a smoky, spicy kick.
Heavy cream: For a luscious, silky sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth. Grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor.
Garlic: Essential for depth and aroma. Don’t skimp—minced fresh garlic is best.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the sauce.
Bell peppers: Use red, yellow, or orange for color and crunch. They complement the Cajun spice perfectly.
Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables, and adding richness to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste and enhance all the other flavors.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this dish? Here are some tasty ideas:

Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Go meatless: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Switch the pasta: Try linguine, bowties, or gluten-free pasta if you have dietary preferences.
Seafood twist: Cajun shrimp makes an excellent substitute or addition to the chicken for a surf-and-turf style pasta.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with more Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for a minute to thicken slightly. Serve hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the chicken: Get a good sear, but keep it juicy—overcooked chicken will dry out and lose its appeal.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce grainy.
Reserve pasta water: If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of starchy pasta water can help thin it out while keeping it creamy.
Taste as you go: Cajun seasoning blends vary, so always taste and adjust the spice level to your liking.

How to Serve

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is a full meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dinner:

Garnishes:

Top with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness and a pop of color.

Sides:

Pair it with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up that amazing sauce.

Wine Pairing:

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir balances the creamy and spicy notes beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. If you freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Whole milk or a combo of milk and a bit of cream cheese can be used as an alternative.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can quickly mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning to make sure it’s gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Don’t let the sauce boil after adding the cream and cheese—keep it at a gentle simmer and stir regularly for a smooth result.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be—easy, fast, and bursting with bold flavor. Whether you’re new to Cajun cuisine or it’s a staple in your home, this dish delivers every single time. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your meal rotation!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe