Creamy Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken Penne Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For those who enjoy a bit of extra kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. This small addition enhances the Cajun spices and provides a subtle, lingering warmth that complements the richness of the butter and garlic.

To ensure the best texture, serve the pasta in warmed bowls.

This prevents the sauce from cooling and thickening too quickly, allowing you to enjoy the savory consistency from the first bite to the last. Keep a little extra parsley on hand for serving.

Variations

• Vegetable Addition: Sauté sliced bell peppers or mushrooms alongside the chicken to add extra texture and color to the dish without altering the core flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Twist: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or incorporate a small amount of cayenne pepper into the garlic butter for a bolder, spicier pasta experience.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is cooled to room temperature within 2 hours before placing it in the refrigerator.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to restore the sauce consistency, until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When storing, try to keep the pasta and chicken in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooling and easier reheating. Avoid keeping the dish at room temperature for more than two hours.

The chicken can be seasoned and sliced up to a day in advance, stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

The sauce components can be prepared, but it is best to cook the pasta and assemble the final dish just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Serving ideas

This dish is substantial enough to be served on its own as a complete main course. If desired, pair it with a simple side salad of crisp greens tossed in a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory nature of the pasta.

For a complete meal, consider serving the pasta alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans.

The clean, crisp flavor of lightly seasoned vegetables cuts through the richness of the garlic butter sauce, creating a balanced dining experience that is perfect for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken Penne

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Instructions

1. Season the sliced chicken breasts evenly with the Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
2. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
3. Add the cooked penne pasta and the rested seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the garlic butter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately while hot.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

18 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.