Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Recipe

If you ever need a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and comes together in one pan, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Recipe. I absolutely love how the Cajun spices perfectly balance the creamy sauce, and the crispy bacon gives it that added crunch and smoky punch. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a favorite weeknight dinner in your rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right mix of ingredients makes all the difference in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Recipe. Each one plays its part, from the smoky bacon to the velvety cream cheese, building layers of deliciousness.

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut if you want extra crispy bites, and save some fat for cooking the chicken.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized cubes cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Cajun seasoning: The spice mix brings warmth and a little heat; adjust how much you add to suit your taste.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground works best for a sharp kick.
• Dry ranch seasoning packet: This adds a savory herb boost that complements the Cajun perfectly.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Essential for cooking the pasta and building the sauce without being too salty.
• Dried penne pasta: Holds up nicely in the sauce and has just the right bite when cooked al dente.
• Cream cheese: Use room temperature to blend smoothly into the sauce.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and that classic comforting flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melted into and on top for a stretchy finish.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the dish a punch of bold cheesy flavor.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brightens everything up.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap ingredients or boost the heat, there are tons of ways to tailor it to your taste.

• Add Veggies: I love tossing in bell peppers or spinach for a burst of color and nutrition—added right after browning the chicken.
• Make it Spicier: If you enjoy a good kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne—my husband can’t get enough of the heat!
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based broth to make it friendly for sensitive diets.
• Use Different Pasta: Penne is classic, but fusilli or rotini also work great to catch all that creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon and Save the Fat

Start by cooking diced bacon in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully crispy. I always use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate—this keeps it crunchy and drains the excess grease. Don’t toss all the bacon fat! I save about 2 tablespoons in the pan; it’s pure gold for cooking the chicken, adding smoky depth right at the start.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken with Flavors

Next, toss your cubed chicken and diced onions into the bacon fat. Sprinkle on your Cajun seasoning and fresh black pepper. Brown the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes—you’re aiming for a nice golden crust, not to fully cook through yet. This gives the chicken a rich flavor base and locks in juices. Then, sprinkle the ranch seasoning over top to introduce that herby tang.

Step 3: Add Broth, Scrape Those Good Bits, and Simmer Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil, scraping the bottom of your skillet with a wooden spoon to lift up those delicious browned bits. Now stir in the dry penne pasta, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye so it doesn’t get mushy—this step is key for perfect texture every time.

Step 4: Stir in Creamy Goodness and Cheese

Once the pasta is just right, uncover the skillet and add the cream cheese cubes and condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir until the sauce is heavenly smooth and lump-free. Then fold in half of your shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and the crispy bacon (except the reserved ½ cup for garnish). It’s always tempting to add all the cheese at once, but adding some on top right at the end creates that gooey, melty finish I love.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Bacon, and Parsley

Remove from heat and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and reserved bacon on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes—this gentle warmth melts the cheese perfectly. Finally, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and a touch of freshness that balances all the creamy, smoky flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten this dish and add some color contrast. Sometimes, I add a pinch of extra crispy bacon on top—because why not? If you want a little extra texture, a light dusting of freshly grated parmesan is a fantastic touch too.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is so rich, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complements the creamy sauce perfectly if you want to soak up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving this in individual cast iron skillets—it keeps things warm and looks seriously impressive. Another fun idea I tried was layering it in a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and finishing under the broiler for a bubbly crust. It’s like a southern-inspired mac ‘n’ cheese upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to enjoy them within 3 days. The pasta soaks up more of the sauce overnight, which some people love, but I recommend reheating gently to keep it creamy without drying out.

Freezing

While I sometimes freeze this recipe, I find the texture changes a bit after thawing. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and freeze immediately after cooling. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best consistency.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps it stay creamy and prevents the cheese from clumping or becoming rubbery. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, spicy kick, and smoky bacon hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress without any fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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