Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Creamiest Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Love

Culinary adventures often spark unexpected delights with this creamy Cajun chicken pasta that brings southern charm to your dinner table.

Spicy notes dance through velvety sauce, creating a symphony of flavors perfect for busy weeknights.

Robust seasonings marry tender chicken pieces with silky noodles in a magical combination.

Robust Cajun spices deliver a kick that awakens sleepy taste buds without overwhelming delicate ingredients.

Comfort meets excitement in each forkful of this hearty dish that promises satisfaction.

Complex yet simple, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll find yourself transported to louisiana’s vibrant kitchen with every single bite.

FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically includes paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt, creating a spicy and flavorful blend that gives dishes a signature Louisiana-style kick.

  • Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning or use a mild Cajun spice blend. You can also add less seasoning to control the heat level while maintaining the dish’s flavor profile.

  • Is this pasta dish considered healthy?

While delicious, the recipe is relatively high in calories and fat due to heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. To make it healthier, you could use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and add more vegetables.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Why It’s a Favorite

  • Tackle Spicy Sweetness: Dive into a flavor explosion that balances fiery Sriracha with golden honey, creating a mouthwatering taste adventure for your taste buds.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can confidently execute.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Impress family and friends with a dish that combines zesty Asian-inspired flavors, making it perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings that demand something special.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust the Sriracha amount to control heat levels, making this recipe adaptable for different spice preferences and ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that absorbs the bold Cajun seasoning and provides a hearty base for the pasta dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Fettuccine: A wide, flat pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully and creates a satisfying texture.
For the Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and luxurious base for the creamy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Delivers a spicy and complex flavor profile to the chicken and overall dish.
For the Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Onions: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the sauce and vegetable mix.
  • Bell Peppers: Brings color, freshness, and a slight crunch to the pasta.
For the Cooking Fats and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle fruity flavor.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright green color and a mild herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Create Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Spice and Sizzle the Chicken

Coat chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet, sauté fresh garlic, diced onions, and colorful bell peppers.

Allow the vegetables to soften and release their aromatic qualities, creating a delicious base for the sauce.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir continuously and let the mixture simmer until it thickens and becomes wonderfully creamy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Protein

Add cooked fettuccine directly into the creamy sauce. Slice the browned chicken and gently fold it into the pasta, ensuring every strand gets covered with the rich Cajun-inspired sauce.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Give the pasta a final gentle stir to distribute the chicken and sauce evenly. Transfer to serving plates and optionally garnish with:
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Cracked black pepper

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the vibrant, spicy flavors of this Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Suggestions for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Control the heat when cooking Cajun chicken to prevent burning and ensure even browning for maximum flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the pasta dish.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Flavor Swaps

  • Seafood Creole Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp or crawfish for a classic Louisiana seafood version, keeping the Cajun spice profile intact.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Option: Swap chicken for grilled zucchini, eggplant, and artichokes, using feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean flavor.
  • Spicy Andouille Sausage Pasta: Substitute chicken with sliced andouille sausage for extra smoky heat, maintaining the creamy Cajun sauce technique.
  • Light Cajun Chicken Zoodles: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of fettuccine for a low-carb alternative, keeping the rich Cajun cream sauce.

Present Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to Guests

  • Family Feast Night Plating: Serve the pasta in large, shallow bowls with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Create a rustic family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness together.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Style: Present the Cajun chicken pasta on white porcelain plates with a delicate parsley garnish. Pair with a crisp white wine and serve small side salads for a sophisticated restaurant-quality experience.
  • Lunch Meal Prep Containers: Pack individual portions in sealed containers with the pasta neatly arranged. Keep the chicken on top to maintain its crispy texture. Perfect for office lunches or quick reheatable meals that stay deliciously fresh.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
  • Prepare Cajun chicken and sauce components separately, storing them in the refrigerator for quick assembly when ready to serve, helping preserve the dish's fresh flavors and preventing pasta from becoming mushy.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cajun chicken pasta weaves spicy Creole flavors into a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Rich parmesan and cream sauce coat tender chicken, creating a memorable southern-style dining experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsps cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz (226 g) fettuccine pasta
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
  3. Remove chicken from pan, then in the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, diced onions, and sliced bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and reduce heat to low, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and develops a smooth consistency.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare fettuccine according to package instructions, drain, and set aside while maintaining warmth.
  6. Slice cooked chicken into thin strips and reintroduce to the creamy sauce.
  7. Gently fold fettuccine into the sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with the rich, spicy mixture.
  8. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with additional grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
  9. Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and sauce is at its peak creaminess.

Notes

  • For maximum flavor, let chicken marinate in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance spice penetration.
  • Use cast iron skillet for achieving deeper caramelization and richer browning of chicken and vegetables.
  • Adjust cream sauce thickness by controlling simmering time – shorter for lighter consistency, longer for thicker sauce.
  • Swap fettuccine with zucchini noodles for low-carb version or gluten-free pasta for dietary alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star