This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that brings bold flavors to the table in just 30 minutes. Perfectly seasoned chicken is tossed with sautéed veggies and a silky cream sauce, all wrapped around tender pasta. It’s my go-to when I crave something comforting with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
I cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, I drain it and set it aside.
Season & Cook the Chicken:
I toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until they’re fully coated. Then I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, I add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté the sliced onion and red bell pepper for about 4 minutes until soft. I add the garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
Next, I pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. I stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened. I season the sauce with salt and pepper.
Combine Everything:
I return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the pasta, and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated in the sauce. I let it cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat through.
Serve:
I finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep + Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes
This meal is perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.
Variations
I sometimes swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk when I want a lighter or dairy-free version.
Smoked paprika gives it an extra smoky depth that I love.
A pinch of red pepper flakes really turns up the heat if I’m craving something spicier.
I occasionally toss in mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
It also works great with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce and warm it gently over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one. I avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
How spicy is Cajun chicken pasta?
It has a medium level of spice, but I can easily adjust it by using more or less Cajun seasoning or adding red pepper flakes if I want extra heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately. When I’m ready to eat, I cook the pasta and sauce fresh for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best pasta to use?
I usually go with penne or fettuccine, but any sturdy pasta that holds the sauce well—like rotini or rigatoni—works great.
Can I freeze Cajun chicken pasta?
While I can freeze it, I find the cream sauce tends to separate a bit when thawed. If I do freeze it, I reheat it slowly and stir well to bring it back together.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, I just use gluten-free pasta and make sure my Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those comforting dishes I keep coming back to. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and simple to make, with just the right amount of heat and richness. Whether I’m making it for a family meal or meal-prepping for the week, it never fails to hit the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting dish packed with bold Cajun spices, juicy chicken, sautéed veggies, and a rich cream sauce—all tossed with tender pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onion and red bell pepper for about 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Add smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for extra heat and flavor.
Include mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients.
Can substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
