Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne in Creamy Cajun Three-Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish that combines tender penne with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar cheeses, and a spicy Cajun kick. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that satisfies with its cheesy, savory goodness and balanced spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Mix in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste to achieve a balanced, mildly spicy flavor.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, optionally topped with extra grated Parmesan or cheese of choice for added richness and garnish.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken breast strips or sautéed shrimp.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and cheese for the creamiest sauce.
