🍝 Chicken Penne in Cajun Mozzarella Garlic Butter Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4–5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or adjust to taste)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta:
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12 oz penne pasta
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Salted water for boiling
Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
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Boil penne in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the chicken:
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Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Make the sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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Reduce heat and add mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
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Combine:
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Return cooked chicken to the sauce. Add cooked penne and toss to coat evenly. Cook 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot.
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Tips & Variations
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🌶 Extra spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
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🧄 Garlic lovers: Roast garlic beforehand for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
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🥬 Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrition.
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🧀 Cheese twist: Mix in Parmesan or provolone for a richer cheesy flavor.
If you want, I can also give a one-pan version that cooks the chicken, pasta, and sauce all together to save time and cleanup. Do you want that version?
