Description
Creamy Three-Cheese Cajun Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful dish that elevates your dinner experience with its rich, cheesy goodness. Featuring tender chicken sautéed to perfection and enveloped in a luscious sauce made from three types of cheese, this recipe balances creamy texture with a hint of Cajun spice. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it comes together quickly in just 30-35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors will leave your taste buds satisfied while the ease of preparation means you can spend more time enjoying the meal with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 18 oz penne pasta
- 2¼ cups heavy cream
- 1⅛ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2¼ tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp dried basil
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat lightly with Parmesan cheese.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat; sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually mix in mozzarella, cheddar, and remaining Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked penne with the sauce; add chicken on top or mix in.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg