Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, spicy, and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce. It’s a one-skillet meal that’s full of smoky heat and smooth, cheesy goodness—perfect for when I want something satisfying, quick, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines the creamy comfort of a pasta dish with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes. The sauce is smooth and velvety, the chicken is juicy and full of spice, and the pasta soaks it all up beautifully. Whether I’m cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking for something special without too much effort, this pasta hits the mark every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)

• Bell peppers (optional, for color and crunch)

• Onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by cooking the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set it aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes per side. I remove it and let it rest before slicing.

4. In the same skillet, I sauté garlic (and onions or bell peppers, if I’m using them) until fragrant and softened.

5. I lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

6. I stir in the parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until thickened slightly.

7. I add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing everything to coat evenly.

8. I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: Around 30 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

• For extra veggies, I add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

• A splash of lemon juice brightens the sauce if I want a fresher finish.

• I’ve used half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

• For more heat, I add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I stir well so the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate.

FAQs

What’s in Cajun seasoning?

It’s usually a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. I sometimes make my own to control the spice level.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. I prefer cream for the best texture, but whole milk or evaporated milk works in a pinch.

What kind of pasta works best?

I love this with fettuccine or penne, but any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, linguine, or rotini will hold up well to the creamy sauce.

Can I make it less spicy?

Definitely. I use a mild Cajun blend or reduce the amount of seasoning. I’ve also stirred in a spoonful of sour cream to mellow the heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I make the sauce and chicken ahead, store them separately, and combine everything when ready to serve for the freshest texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of my go-to comfort meals—it’s spicy, rich, and full of flavor in every bite. I love how it brings a little Southern heat to the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum payoff. Whether I’m serving it for family or just treating myself, this dish always delivers on flavor, comfort, and satisfaction.

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