Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce – Quick & Creamy Perfection

Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce is that kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again—the one that hits the sweet spot between comfort food and pure indulgence. Picture tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection, tossed with creamy mozzarella sauce that hugs every penne noodle like it means it.

Add a little Cajun flair, and you’ve got yourself a weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant favorite but comes together in about 35 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something rich and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

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What is Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce?

This dish is all about layers of flavor coming together in harmony. The Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce starts with chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices and garlic, seared until they develop that beautiful caramelized crust. Then comes the sauce—a silky blend of butter, cream, mozzarella, and a hint of Velveeta for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The Cajun seasoning gives just enough kick without overpowering the creamy base. The penne acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just a touch spicy, which makes it an instant family favorite.

Reasons to Try Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce

If your weeknights are usually a balancing act between “something quick” and “something everyone will actually eat,” this Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce checks every box. It’s quick to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and can feed the whole family without breaking a sweat. The Cajun spices give it an exciting twist that livens up your usual pasta routine, and the mozzarella makes everything creamy, stretchy, and downright comforting.

Bonus: it reheats beautifully, so you can even stash some for lunch the next day (if there’s any left). If you love dishes like Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta or Easy Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, this one’s right up your alley.

Ingredients Needed to Make Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce

Making Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide that walks you through each part of the process so your pasta turns out creamy, flavorful, and absolutely restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re new to cooking or already a kitchen pro, this step-by-step method will make dinner a total win.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Like a Pro

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Don’t skip the salt—it’s the secret to flavorful pasta! Use about a tablespoon of salt per pound of pasta. Once the water’s boiling, toss in your penne and cook it until al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. This keeps the pasta from turning mushy once mixed with the creamy mozzarella Cajun sauce. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid will come in handy later to adjust your sauce’s consistency. For more pasta-cooking tricks, check out High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta, which uses similar pasta prep techniques.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Now, let’s get that chicken sizzling! Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels (this helps them brown beautifully). Sprinkle both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter starts to foam, it’s time to add the chicken.

Sear each piece for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp on the edges. During the last minute of cooking, toss in half of your minced garlic—this infuses the chicken with irresistible garlicky goodness. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest while you move to the next step-by-step sauce creation.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Garlic Cajun Base

In the same skillet (don’t wash it—the brown bits at the bottom are flavor gold!), melt another two tablespoons of butter. Add the rest of your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; you want that deep, nutty aroma that forms the base of your Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce. This step lays the foundation for your creamy sauce, so take your time here.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Now comes the best part—making that luscious, velvety Cajun sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking as you go to combine everything smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a rapid boil, or your sauce might separate). Add your softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. It should look silky and slightly thickened at this step-by-step stage. This is the perfect time to sneak a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For more creamy sauce ideas, take a peek at Easy Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, which uses a similar rich base.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and add your Velveeta cubes first, stirring until they start to melt. Follow with shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously so the sauce stays smooth and glossy. You can even add a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like a sharper finish. The key in this step-by-step cheese blending is patience—stir slowly and don’t rush the melting process. The result should be a thick, creamy mozzarella Cajun sauce that coats your spoon beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce for the Perfect Balance

Add your cooked penne straight into the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every piece in that dreamy mozzarella Cajun sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water—a few tablespoons at a time—until it reaches your desired creaminess. This technique keeps the sauce from drying out and helps it cling to the pasta perfectly. Stir everything together until it’s evenly coated and the penne looks glossy and rich. For another satisfying pasta toss, check out Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta.

Step 7: Slice, Serve, and Garnish

Now, return to your seared chicken. Slice it into thick, juicy strips and lay them over the pasta. Give it a quick garnish of freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and a hint of freshness. Serve your Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce immediately while it’s warm, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Each bite delivers that Cajun kick, buttery garlic flavor, and cheesy comfort you’ll crave again tomorrow.

Bonus Step-by-Step Tip: Make It Your Own

Want to make this dish your signature? Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or even sausage for a fun twist. You can also lighten the sauce with half-and-half or add spinach for extra color and nutrients. If you love creamy one-pan dinners, you’ll adore Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet for another cozy weeknight win.

What to Serve with Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce

This pasta is rich enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with something light really rounds out the meal. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll makes an excellent addition (because extra sauce deserves a mop-up crew). For something veggie-forward, try Parmesan Garlic Roasted Carrots or even a quick sautéed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon.

Key Tips for Making Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce

Use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for the creamiest sauce—it melts better. Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly firm noodles hold up best under thick sauces. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water. For more spice, sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning before serving. And if you want a little crunch, top it with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs. For similar creamy comfort dishes, check out Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life—it’ll loosen it up and restore that silky texture. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, or warm it gently on the stove. Avoid reheating the chicken too long to keep it tender. If you want to freeze, just keep the sauce separate from the pasta for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even rotini work just as well.
Can I make it lighter? Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though it’ll be a bit less rich.
Is it spicy? It’s mildly spicy, but you can dial it up or down depending on your Cajun seasoning.
Can I use leftover chicken? Yes! Just skip the searing step and toss in your pre-cooked chicken when combining the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce isn’t just another pasta—it’s comfort in a bowl. With its creamy, spicy, and cheesy balance, it’s a surefire hit for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. If you love creamy Cajun-inspired meals, you might also enjoy Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce for another comforting twist. Cook it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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