This Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne is a delicious and creamy dish that combines succulent chicken with flavorful sauce and pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and your family will love the rich taste. With just a few simple ingredients, this meal comes together quickly and easily. Try it with Crockpot Cajun Butter Chicken for another tasty option!
Why Make This Recipe
- This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of garlic, butter, and Cajun spices gives it a rich, flavorful kick.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that even kids will enjoy, thanks to the cheesy pasta.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne
This dish features tender chicken sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with penne pasta and loaded with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to make and perfect for a comforting meal! You may also find Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers 2 useful.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 6 tbsp butter
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Sauté the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. You may also find Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers useful.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Gradually whisk in the whole milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, followed by half of the Parmesan cheese.
Combine: Add the cooked chicken and drained penne to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is well-coated in the creamy mixture.
Final touches: Allow to heat through for about 5 minutes on low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne
This dish is best served hot. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese or some chopped parsley. Consider serving it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal.
How to Store Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- You can also use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different twist.
Variations
- Substitute the penne pasta with your favorite pasta shape.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- Try adding a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then combine them with cooked pasta before serving.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of milk.
- How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne is a simple yet delicious meal that the whole family will love. If you’re looking for more Cajun-inspired recipes, check out this recipe for a tasty twist. For creamy options, try Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or Creamy Cajun Chicken and Smoked Sausage Pasta for additional ideas!
Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Parmesan Penne
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, followed by half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooked chicken and drained penne to the sauce.
- Toss gently until everything is well-coated in the creamy mixture.
- Allow to heat through for about 5 minutes on low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
