When you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and downright satisfying, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the answer. This dish is rich with bold Cajun flavors, perfectly tender chicken, and a velvety sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. It’s one of those go-to weeknight dinners that feels like a restaurant-quality meal—but without the long wait or complicated prep.
This recipe is especially great when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, comforting, and can be easily customized to your taste. Want it spicier? Add extra Cajun seasoning. Prefer shrimp over chicken? Go for it!
Using a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day. So go ahead, make a little extra you’ll thank yourself tomorrow.
What Makes This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Special?
- Bold Cajun flavor: Thanks to a homemade Cajun spice blend, every bite is packed with smoky, spicy goodness.
- Creamy, dreamy sauce: Heavy cream and parmesan make the perfect velvety base.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—great for busy nights.
- One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Flexible and customizable: Swap the protein, adjust the spice, or toss in veggies.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with a restaurant-style finish. You don’t need fancy tools—just a good skillet and your favorite pasta. The trick is to sear the chicken for a golden crust and deglaze the pan to capture every bit of that flavor. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced thin for faster cooking. You can also use chicken thighs.
- Cajun seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade. Adjust to taste if you prefer less heat.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the sauce. Substitute with half-and-half if needed.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated works best for melt and flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
- Butter & olive oil: Butter gives richness, olive oil helps sear the chicken.
- Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work well.
- Bell peppers (optional): Add sweetness and crunch.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the sauce and helps thin it out.
Equipment: Large skillet or sauté pan, pasta pot, and a sharp knife for slicing the chicken.
How To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season and sear the chicken: Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and peppers (optional): In the same skillet, add minced garlic and bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- Add cheese and pasta: Stir in grated parmesan. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Return chicken to the pan: Slice chicken if needed and return to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
Storage Options
- Room temperature: Not recommended due to dairy in the sauce.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating tips: Reheat on stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use shrimp instead of chicken: Sear shrimp separately and add at the end.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Low-carb version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Spice level: Increase or reduce Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Different cheeses: Try Asiago or mozzarella for a twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Use whole milk or add a bit of butter.
What pasta works best?
Penne, linguine, and fettuccine hold the sauce well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Cook everything and store separately. Reheat with a bit of cream or broth.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add reserved pasta water or broth to thin it out.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, just warm it in the sauce at the end.
Is this recipe spicy?
Mild to medium. Adjust Cajun spice for more or less heat.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and quick enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just making something special for yourself, this dish never disappoints. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your version!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Bold, Creamy & Ready in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: sliced bell peppers, parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve some water.
- Season chicken with Cajun spices. Sear in skillet with oil and butter until golden.
- Remove chicken. Sauté garlic and peppers in same skillet.
- Add cream and broth. Simmer to thicken.
- Stir in parmesan. Toss in cooked pasta.
- Return chicken. Toss all together.
- Serve hot with parsley and extra cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~580
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g