Introduction
This creamy, spicy Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, rich mozzarella, and bold Cajun spices. The sauce is velvety and buttery with a hint of heat, perfectly coating the penne pasta for a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.
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Description
Imagine juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken tossed with penne pasta in a luscious garlic butter sauce enriched with melted mozzarella cheese. Each bite offers a balance of spice, creaminess, and savory depth. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or for impressing guests with minimal effort.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips or cubes)
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
300 g (about 10 oz) penne pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
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Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Base:
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add paprika, black pepper, and (optional) red pepper flakes.
5. Add Cheese:
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in mozzarella until melted and smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
6. Combine Everything:
Add cooked chicken and penne to the sauce. Toss well until fully coated and heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.
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Tips
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
Add a splash of lemon juice at the end to balance the richness.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for smoother melting.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a few tablespoons of pasta water.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Variations
Seafood Cajun Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp or a mix of shrimp and scallops.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Extra Cheesy Version: Add grated Parmesan or a bit of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Baked Cajun Pasta: Transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and broil until golden and bubbly.
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Correction
If the sauce splits or becomes grainy, lower the heat and stir in a splash of warm cream or pasta water to bring it back together. Avoid overheating the mozzarella as it can clump.
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Enjoy
Serve your Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Every forkful offers a creamy, spicy, and satisfying taste that makes this dish