Introduction
There’s something about Cajun Chicken Pasta that just hits the spot every time. It’s the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, creamy, and savory all in one dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a go-to comfort meal in my home. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is always a win!
I first fell in love with Cajun Chicken Pasta during a trip to New Orleans. The combination of spice, cream, and tender chicken was unforgettable, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. Over the years, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s one of those meals that looks and tastes fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.
What makes this recipe so special is the Cajun seasoning. A mix of paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, and a little cayenne pepper adds that distinct Louisiana kick. The cream sauce balances out the heat, making it rich but not overwhelming. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a little spice but still craves creamy pasta goodness.
Let me take you through this recipe, and I promise by the end, you’ll have a new favorite pasta dish on your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Bold Flavors: Cajun spices bring a smoky, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Each bite is packed with a delicious contrast of heat and richness.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences—make it as spicy (or mild) as you want, add in your favorite veggies, or swap out the protein.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults! The creamy sauce tempers the spice, making it approachable even for those who are a little spice-shy.
- Comfort in a Bowl: There’s something so comforting about creamy pasta. It feels indulgent yet simple, especially with the tender chicken and flavorful sauce coating each bite of pasta.
Imagine twirling a forkful of perfectly al dente pasta coated in a rich sauce, with tender bites of spicy chicken. It’s the kind of dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: 600 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 30g
Ingredients
For this Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Cajun seasoning: This is the key to the dish! You can make your own blend by mixing 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta step by step:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.
2. Season the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there—massage the seasoning into the chicken for the best flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and diced onions. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet (that’s where the flavor is!). Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Cheese
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. This adds a rich, creamy texture that balances out the spicy Cajun seasoning. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little reserved pasta water.
7. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to ensure every noodle is coated. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet along with any juices that have accumulated. Toss everything together until well combined.
8. Season and Garnish
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors (optional but highly recommended).
How to Serve
Here are a few ways you can serve this Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Family-style: Serve the pasta straight from the skillet for a casual, comforting meal. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- With a side of garlic bread: For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair this pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread or a simple side salad for a lighter option.
- Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of citrus that complements the richness of the cream sauce.
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but adding a simple green salad or crusty bread will take it to the next level.
Additional Tips
- Control the Heat: Cajun seasoning can be quite spicy, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference. If you like it mild, use less cayenne pepper or choose a mild Cajun blend.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken! Searing it over medium-high heat gives you that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked but still tender.
- Creamy Sauce Hack: If your sauce gets too thick, you can loosen it up with a splash of pasta water or chicken broth. This trick ensures your pasta is perfectly saucy without being too heavy.
- Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the sauce. It melts better and gives the dish a deeper, richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Make it Veggie: You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by swapping out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. The Cajun seasoning still works wonders with vegetables!
Recipe Variations
Here are a few ways to make this Cajun Chicken Pasta your own:
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even tofu. The bold Cajun flavors pair well with a variety of vegetables.
- Seafood Option: If you’re a fan of seafood, try replacing the chicken with shrimp or scallops. Sear the seafood in the same Cajun seasoning, and add it back to the pasta just before serving.
- Lighter Version: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk to lighten the dish while still keeping it creamy.
- Extra Veggies: Add more veggies to the mix! Spinach, broccoli, or peas would be great additions to bulk up the meal and add more color and nutrients.
Freezing and Storage
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually get better as they sit, making this
PrintCajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For this Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta step by step:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.
2. Season the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there—massage the seasoning into the chicken for the best flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and diced onions. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet (that’s where the flavor is!). Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Cheese
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. This adds a rich, creamy texture that balances out the spicy Cajun seasoning. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little reserved pasta water.
7. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to ensure every noodle is coated. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet along with any juices that have accumulated. Toss everything together until well combined.
8. Season and Garnish
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors (optional but highly recommended).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 35g
Conclusion
And there you have it—delicious, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite! This dish perfectly balances bold flavors with a comforting creaminess, making it ideal for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a festive gathering with friends.
As you gather around the table to enjoy this meal, you’ll not only savor every bite but also create lasting memories with loved ones. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and make this recipe your own—whether you add more veggies, switch up the protein, or tweak the spices to match your taste, the possibilities are endless!
I hope you enjoy making this Cajun Chicken Pasta as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me! I’d love to hear how you’ve put your spin on it. Happy cooking, and here’s to delicious meals and good times ahead!