Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Seared Garlic Chicken Penne in Mozzarella Cajun Sauce, a creamy and savory pasta dish that will impress your family and friends. This recipe features tender pieces of chicken seared to golden perfection, enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and zesty Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this one-pan wonder is quick to make and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. With its comforting texture and bold flavors, this dish is destined to become a household favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pan cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives, optional
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter; sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté remaining garlic, then add cream and broth; simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth; combine with cooked penne.
- Serve with seared chicken on top and garnish if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 370g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg