The Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe That Sizzles

Whipping up a delicious Cajun chicken pasta brings vibrant flavors right to your dinner table.

Southern spices dance through creamy sauce, creating a meal that surprises and delights.

My kitchen always feels alive when this recipe starts simmering.

Hearty chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked noodles, promising a memorable dining experience.

Robust Cajun seasonings deliver a warm, slightly spicy kick that makes every bite exciting.

Comfort meets culinary adventure in this simple yet impressive dish.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving, guaranteed.

Side Picks for Cajun Chicken Pasta

Select a spicy Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the Cajun seasoning’s heat, enhancing the dish’s robust flavor profile.

Create a tangy mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta’s richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Serve warm, toasted French bread with herbed butter to soak up the delicious Cajun cream sauce and add textural variety.

Choose a hoppy pale ale or amber lager that cuts through the pasta’s creaminess while harmonizing with the Cajun spices.

Keeping Cajun Chicken Pasta Just Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 1-2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they may separate.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated evenly, about 45 minutes.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically contains a blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme, creating a spicy and flavorful mix that gives the chicken its signature kick.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also substitute with a blend that has less cayenne pepper to control the heat level.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten-based additives.

Cajun Chicken Pasta with Creamy Kick

• Craft a Spicy Culinary Adventure: Dive into a flavor-packed journey with this Cajun chicken pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with bold, zesty notes.
• Master Quick Restaurant-Style Cooking: Learn to create a professional-grade dish in your own kitchen, impressing family and friends with restaurant-quality flavors without complex techniques or hours of preparation.
• Customize Your Comfort Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile option for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Dinner Miracle: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that combines protein, pasta, and vegetables into a deliciously creamy one-pot wonder perfect for busy weeknights.

Everything You Need for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the primary protein in this Cajun-style pasta dish.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy Cajun sauce.

• Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: Colorful and sweet peppers that add vibrant flavor and crunch to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, robust flavor to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious base that creates a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese that melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.

• Cajun Seasoning: Spicy and bold blend that gives the dish its signature Cajun kick.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh garnish and color to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and adding a subtle flavor.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the vegetables.

Cajun Chicken Pasta: How to Make It

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously coat chicken slices with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken, flipping occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Colorful Vegetables

• Red bell peppers
• Yellow bell peppers

Saute the peppers until they become tender and slightly soft.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir the mixture, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the skillet bottom. Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth sauce. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.

Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and additional flavor. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and gloriously creamy.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Cajun chicken pasta!

Kitchen Tips for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, using less for mild flavor or adding more for a fiery kick.
• Choose al dente pasta to prevent mushiness and ensure a satisfying texture in the final dish.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for versatile dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version of the sauce.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.

Flavor Spins for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, cubed and seasoned with Cajun spices for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Seafood Cajun Remix: Swap chicken with shrimp or crawfish, maintaining the creamy sauce and Cajun flavor profile for a coastal-inspired pasta experience.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of penne pasta, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the rich, spicy sauce intact.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture that accommodates lactose-intolerant diners and adds a subtle nutty flavor.

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold Louisiana flavors with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2–3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) penne pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge penne pasta and cook until perfectly tender, following package timing. Carefully drain and reserve pasta.
2. Generously coat chicken slices with robust Cajun seasoning. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, rotating periodically, ensuring golden exterior and complete internal cooking. Transfer chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Introduce diced bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and develop slight caramelization. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly cook until aromatic.
4. Lower skillet temperature to medium. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into pan, actively scraping accumulated browned fragments from surface. Allow liquid to simmer 3-5 minutes, stirring consistently until sauce thickens and develops rich consistency.
5. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes silky smooth. Reunite cooked pasta and seasoned chicken with creamy Cajun sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating.
6. Enhance dish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and additional flavor dimension. Serve immediately while sauce remains hot and luxuriously creamy.

Notes

• Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smoother sauce consistency.
• Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount to suit personal spice tolerance.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crisp exterior.
• Use gluten-free pasta and verify Cajun seasoning ingredients for a celiac-friendly version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 488 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg