There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy, spicy pasta, and this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of heat and indulgence. It’s a dish that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
This recipe takes inspiration from classic Cajun cuisine, known for its rich, smoky, and spicy flavors. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough to make at home. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or just looking for a new twist on your pasta routine, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun flavors – A perfect blend of spices adds warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Creamy & comforting – The luscious sauce coats every bite, making it an ultra-satisfying meal.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a great go-to for busy nights.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level to your preference and add veggies or proteins to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cajun Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, allowing them to cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finally, return the sliced Cajun chicken to the pan, letting it warm through for a minute. Give everything a good toss, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the spice level – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so for the best creamy texture, grate your Parmesan fresh.
- Cook the chicken properly – Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender when slicing.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it will continue to absorb the sauce, cook it just until al dente.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or beef sausage for a different protein option.
- Leftover sauce can be used as a dip for bread or drizzled over rice for another tasty meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~24g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Cholesterol: ~115mg
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~5g
(Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portions.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and prep the sauce in advance. When ready to serve, reheat everything in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best since they hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber. You can also add more veggies like spinach or zucchini.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, try these other comforting meals:
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings the perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and comfort to your table. With its quick cooking time and rich, bold flavors, it’s a meal that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite way to enjoy Cajun flavors?
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy, spicy pasta, and this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of heat and indulgence. It’s a dish that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
This recipe takes inspiration from classic Cajun cuisine, known for its rich, smoky, and spicy flavors. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough to make at home. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or just looking for a new twist on your pasta routine, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, allowing them to cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finally, return the sliced Cajun chicken to the pan, letting it warm through for a minute. Give everything a good toss, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped green onions and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or beef sausage for a different protein option.
- Leftover sauce can be used as a dip for bread or drizzled over rice for another tasty meal.