Cajun Chicken Penne in Velvety Three-Cheese Cream – A Rich and Bold Comfort Pasta

If you’re looking for a creamy pasta dish with a bold, flavorful twist, this Cajun Chicken Penne in Velvety Three-Cheese Cream is the perfect choice. It combines tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked penne, all coated in a luxurious sauce made from mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.

This dish is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want something indulgent and satisfying. The blend of spices and creamy cheese creates a perfect balance between bold and smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The three-cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Cajun seasoning adds a delicious, slightly spicy kick.

It’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick bite-size pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup whole milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control spice level.

Whole milk helps balance the richness of the heavy cream.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Penne in Velvety Three-Cheese Cream

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure they are evenly coated.

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a light simmer.

Gradually add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce.

Add the cooked penne and toss everything together until evenly combined and fully coated.

If desired, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.

Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Top with extra Parmesan for an even cheesier finish.

Tips for Best Results

Do not overcook the pasta so it maintains a perfect texture.

Keep the heat moderate when adding cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.

Stir continuously while making the sauce for a smooth consistency.

Final Words

Cajun Chicken Penne in Velvety Three-Cheese Cream is the perfect combination of bold flavor and creamy comfort. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying texture, it’s a dish that delivers indulgence in every bite.

Whether for a cozy dinner or a special treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Cajun Chicken Penne in Velvety Three-Cheese Cream – A Rich and Bold Comfort Pasta

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  • Author: Lara

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

 

  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
  • Add the cooked penne and toss until everything is evenly combined.
  • Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.

 

  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

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