Cajun Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
¾ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 min, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Add half the garlic during the last minute. Transfer chicken to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add remaining garlic and cook 30 sec until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, and simmer 2–3 min. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
6. Mix in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
7. Toss cooked penne into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick.
8. Add chicken back to the skillet and stir until coated in the creamy Cajun garlic sauce.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like.
Cooking Time:35 min
Servings:4
Calories:~995 per serving