Hey y'all! If you're looking for a bold, flavorful dinner that's quick enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy, spicy sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or when you just want some real comfort food with a kick. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- This pasta is ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- It packs a spicy Cajun flavor that elevates simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
- The creamy sauce coats every bite for an irresistibly silky texture.
- Customizable for heat levels and add-ins like veggies or shrimp.
- Great for meal prep and even better as leftovers!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (see homemade recipe)
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice into thin strips. Toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until well coated.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil, bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning over veggies. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 6: Finish the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the sauce coats the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Notes for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Success
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot smoked paprika. Learn more about Cajun flavors at Serious Eats.
- Don't skip the pasta water—it's key for a creamy, cohesive sauce.
- Swap in grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Variations
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Replace chicken with peeled, deveined shrimp and cook just until pink.
- Vegetarian Version: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli instead of chicken.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream.
Required Equipment for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate.
Pairing & Serving Recommendations for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Crusty garlic bread or homemade focaccia makes a perfect side.
- Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light lager to balance the spice.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce. Learn more about cheese grating at Bon Appétit.
- Slice chicken thinly and evenly to ensure fast, juicy cooking.
- Let the sauce simmer gently—high heat can cause the cream to separate.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta FAQ
- Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
- Absolutely! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works great, but you can adjust heat levels with homemade blends.
- Is this dish very spicy?
- This pasta has a moderate spice level, but you can make it milder or hotter by adjusting the Cajun seasoning.
- Can I make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
- Yes, prepare ahead and store in the fridge; just reheat with a splash of cream or broth for best results.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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1Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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4Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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5Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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