Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella is a delightful dish that combines bold flavors with comforting creaminess. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and rich cheeses creates a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make in just a few simple steps!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until it is golden and cooked through. Set aside and let it rest.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of or alongside the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella
Serve this creamy pasta dish hot, straight from the skillet, for a comforting meal. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. You can also offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table for those who love a cheesy touch!
How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens.
Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. Add more for extra heat!
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish for added nutrition and color.
Variation
You can easily make this dish with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Just sauté the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through, then follow the recipe as normal.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Bowtie or fettuccine would work great too.
2. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine with the cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella
A delightful dish featuring bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and rich cheeses, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until it is golden and cooked through. Set aside and let it rest.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and melted. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of or alongside the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning beforehand. This dish can also be made with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg