Irresistible Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for Spicy Souls

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and quick preparation, and this creamy cajun chicken pasta delivers excitement in every bite.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles.

The robust cajun spices create a restaurant-worthy meal that feels luxurious yet simple.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of heat and creamy richness.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.

The blend of aromatic spices transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll find yourself craving these vibrant, comforting flavors time and again.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Packed with Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion, bringing zesty Southern-style excitement to your dinner table.
• Quick and Satisfying: This one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy pasta with tender chicken creates a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Customizable Cooking: Easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your personal taste preferences.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that serves as the main focus of the dish.
• Pasta: Classic base that provides hearty texture and absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that adds depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the sauce's creaminess.

• Cajun Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice combination that delivers bold and zesty flavor to the chicken.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential cooking fats that help brown the chicken and add rich flavor to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a pop of color and fresh finish to the pasta.

Cooking Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain water completely and set pasta aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Press seasonings into the meat to ensure full coverage.

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Place seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden brown and chicken is fully cooked through.

Remove chicken and slice into strips.

Step 4: Create Luscious Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, pour chicken broth and heavy cream.

Stir ingredients together and let simmer for 5 minutes until sauce starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Melt Cheese into Sauce

Add parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce.

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet.

Gently toss pasta to ensure every strand gets coated with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Arrange sliced chicken on top of the pasta.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious Cajun-style meal.

Tips for Spicy, Creamy Cajun Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount based on personal heat tolerance. Start with less and gradually add more for perfect flavor balance.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce. Reserve a little pasta water to help sauce cling better if needed.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption while maintaining juicy texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a lactose-free version that keeps the creamy richness.
• Slice chicken and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Variations

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or crawfish, keeping the Cajun seasoning for a Southern-style seafood pasta.
• Veggie Protein Power: Use plant-based chicken alternatives or grilled tofu, seasoned with Cajun spices, for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the rich, creamy sauce and spicy seasoning profile.

Serving Suggestions for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Side Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with diced tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty Cajun-style vinaigrette to complement the pasta's rich flavors.
• Cornbread Companion: Serve warm, buttery cornbread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce and add a traditional Southern touch to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to balance the creamy, spicy chicken pasta.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or green onions on top for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy dish.

Storage Tips for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture and creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, bold Louisiana-style flavor.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version to control the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately, then combine when ready to eat for a quick meal.

• What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine or linguine are ideal, but you can use any pasta shape you enjoy like penne or rotini.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Cajun Chicken Pasta blends spicy Southern flavors with silky pasta and tender chicken. Bold Creole seasonings and rich cream sauce create a mouthwatering meal you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a robust blend of Cajun seasoning, creating a vibrant, spicy exterior.
3. Warm a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface around 350°F.
4. Sear seasoned chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring a crispy golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and slice into tender strips.
6. Deglaze the same skillet with chicken broth, scraping up flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a velvety sauce that simmers and thickens for approximately 5 minutes.
8. Gradually whisk parmesan cheese into the sauce until completely melted and smooth.
9. Fold the reserved pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
10. Arrange sliced chicken atop the pasta, creating an attractive presentation.
11. Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish.
12. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and sauce is at its most luxurious consistency.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot blends to match your heat tolerance.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Use coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier sauce version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Slice chicken and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg