Description
How to make Bold Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bold spices that brings restaurant flavors home.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun seasonings in a bowl. Toss chicken pieces with seasoning blend until evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes while pasta water heats up.
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining completely.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned or bitter.
- Add Liquids: Pour in wine and let it bubble for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, bringing to gentle simmer without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Finish Dish: Add cooked pasta, chicken, and Parmesan to sauce. Toss gently, adding pasta water as needed for perfect consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Don’t skip the 10-minute resting time for seasoned chicken – it makes a huge difference in flavor penetration.
- Reserve pasta water before draining as the starch helps create a silky sauce consistency.
- Cream sauce will thicken upon cooling, so add milk when reheating leftovers for best texture.
- Fresh garlic is essential – jarred garlic won’t provide the same aromatic depth and sweetness.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days maximum.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference – you can always add more but can’t take it back.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g