Sizzling Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Dinner Delight

Whipping up a zesty Cajun chicken pasta brings serious flavor to your weeknight dinner routine.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles for an irresistible meal.

Southern-inspired ingredients create a bold dining experience that feels like a culinary adventure.

Our recipe combines classic comfort with unexpected heat, delivering a dish that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Home cooks can easily master these vibrant flavors without complicated techniques.

Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken make this meal a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, promising restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.

Best Pairings for Cajun Chicken Pasta

Crisp, local craft beer perfectly cuts through the creamy pasta’s richness and complements the spicy Cajun seasoning.

Bright, acidic white wine balances the dish’s heavy cream and provides a refreshing contrast to the bold chicken flavors.

Light, cool side dish offers a fresh counterpoint to the spicy, creamy pasta, creating a balanced meal experience.

Classic New Orleans-style drink like a Sazerac adds regional authenticity and enhances the Cajun-inspired culinary journey.

Proper Storage for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep pasta and chicken separate to maintain texture.
• Place portion on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water, cover with damp paper towel. Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 4-5 minutes.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, seal tightly. Pasta can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a distinctive Louisiana-style flavor and heat.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version to lower the heat level while still maintaining the signature flavor profile of the dish.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine or penne are ideal choices as they have good surface area to hold the creamy sauce and absorb the Cajun flavors effectively.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Yes, this Cajun chicken pasta can be prepared entirely in a single skillet, making it a convenient and quick dinner option with minimal cleanup.

Why Cajun Chicken Pasta Has Bold Flavor

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Dive into a flavor explosion with bold Cajun seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken pasta into a mouthwatering feast.
• Quick Family Favorite: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and satisfying hungry family members in no time.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and swap ingredients to match your taste preferences, creating a personalized pasta experience that everyone will love.
• Impress Without Stress: Master this restaurant-style dish with simple cooking techniques that make you look like a pro chef without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the base flavor and texture for the Cajun-style dish.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation of the recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture to the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning: Provides the signature spicy and bold Cajun flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps to cook ingredients and add a smooth base flavor.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor foundation.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color, crunch, and a sweet, mild pepper taste to the pasta.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together.

How to Cook Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame and drizzle olive oil to create a smooth cooking base.

Step 2: Spice and Sear the Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over chicken pieces and cook until fully done and golden brown, typically taking 7-10 minutes.

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté until these ingredients release their fragrant essence and become translucent.

Step 4: Bring in the Colorful Veggies

Add bell peppers and cook until they reach a perfect tender-crisp texture, maintaining a slight crunch.

Step 5: Create a Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gently scraping up the delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom.

Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Incorporate cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, stirring thoroughly to ensure every strand is luxuriously covered with the creamy Cajun sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately, letting the enticing aromas invite everyone to the table.

Tips for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot blends to match your heat tolerance.
• Substitute bell peppers with zucchini, asparagus, or spinach for varied nutrition and flavor profiles.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Use half-and-half or coconut milk to reduce calories and create lighter sauce versions.
• Select whole wheat, gluten-free, or vegetable-based pasta to accommodate different nutritional needs.

Variations for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Lighter Cream Alternative: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-fat version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or roasted portobello mushrooms seasoned with Cajun spices for a plant-based option.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Use zucchini noodles, brown rice pasta, or chickpea pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild paprika-based blend for less heat or adding extra cayenne pepper for more kick.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Cajun chicken pasta delivers a bold Louisiana-style culinary adventure packed with robust flavors and creamy textures. Hungry souls will savor this zesty one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, seasoned sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Starches:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
2. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Cook chicken thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 7-10 minutes.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
5. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they release a fragrant aroma and become translucent.
6. Add bell peppers to the pan, cooking until they maintain a slight crispness while becoming tender.
7. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape and incorporate any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
8. Allow the cream sauce to simmer and thicken for roughly 5 minutes, developing a rich consistency.
9. Introduce cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, gently folding to ensure every strand is evenly coated.
10. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring to distribute the cheese and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
11. Reintegrate the seasoned chicken into the pasta, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure even heating.

Notes

• Spice Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing amount based on personal heat tolerance.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Swap bell peppers with zucchini, asparagus, or spinach for varied nutrition and flavor profiles.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary preferences.
• Cream Modification: Use half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions or dairy-free options without compromising creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg