Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for those who love bold flavors and a creamy, satisfying sauce. Packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant. With a touch of heat, plenty of flavor, and a creamy texture, this pasta will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients Overview
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- Pasta (12 oz): Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well. Penne is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Breast (2 large, sliced): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned to perfection. You can substitute with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Cajun Seasoning (2 tablespoons): Provides the signature spicy and smoky flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking the chicken and locking in flavor.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with a bold, savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates a luscious, velvety base for the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (3/4 cup, grated): Adds cheesy richness to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Helps thin out the sauce and enhances the flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Extra seasoning to infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances the flavors of the sauce.
Optional Add-ins:
- Bell Peppers (1 red and 1 yellow, sliced): Adds color, sweetness, and crunch to the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For extra heat if you love spicy food.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (about 8–10 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
- Slice the chicken into thin strips and season with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)
- If using bell peppers, add them to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken (and sautéed peppers, if using) to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
1. Control the Heat Level
- Cajun seasoning varies in spiciness, so adjust the amount based on your preference. For extra heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
2. Customize the Recipe
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or sausage for a delicious variation.
- Cheese Options: Add shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy sauce.
3. Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
- Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep it juicy and tender.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Avoid overheating, as the cream sauce may separate.
Freezing:
- While cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately without the sauce for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works perfectly, but you can also make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
A: Penne is a popular choice because it holds the sauce well, but fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni work wonderfully.
Q: Can I make this dish lighter?
A: To lighten up the recipe, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that combines the perfect amount of spice, creaminess, and hearty flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this dish never fails to impress.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to tag your creations with #CreamyCajunChickenPasta and share the love. Happy cooking!
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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with family.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 🍝 Pasta (12 oz): Penne or any pasta of your choice.
- 🐔 Chicken Breast (2 large): Boneless and sliced thin.
- 🌶️ Cajun Seasoning (2 tablespoons): Adjust for spice preference.
- 🛢️ Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking the chicken.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 🧈 Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness.
- 🧄 Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For bold flavor.
- 🥛 Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates a velvety sauce.
- 🧀 Parmesan Cheese (3/4 cup, grated): Cheesy goodness.
- 🍗 Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): To thin out the sauce.
- 🌶️ Cajun Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses extra flavor.
- 🧂 Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjust seasoning.
Optional Add-ins:
- 🌶️ Bell Peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, sliced): Sweet crunch.
- 🌿 Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish.
- 🌶️ Red Pepper Flakes: For extra spice.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Optional: Sauté Vegetables:
- Sauté sliced bell peppers in the skillet for 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Add butter to the skillet, then garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Add cooked pasta and chicken (and vegetables, if using) to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.