Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, seasoned chicken is tossed with a rich, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Spicy: Cajun seasoning gives it the perfect kick.
- Creamy & Comforting: The rich sauce balances the spice beautifully.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast (2, sliced into strips)
- Cajun Seasoning (1 tbsp)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- Penne or Fettuccine Pasta (8 oz)
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Bell Pepper (1, sliced – red or yellow)
- Heavy Cream (1 cup)
- Chicken Broth (½ cup)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Paprika (½ tsp)
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional for extra heat)
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer
- Tongs
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or crusty bread
- Side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the Spice: Use more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
- Substitute the Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken? Yes! Cajun shrimp is a great substitute.
What’s the best pasta for this dish? Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best.
Can I make it dairy-free? Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and loaded with flavor, making it the perfect easy meal for busy nights. Whether you love bold Cajun flavors or just want a comforting pasta dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 720mg
Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, seasoned chicken is tossed with a rich, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious!
Hungry for more? Subscribe now and have this recipe sent directly to your inbox—along with exclusive foodie updates!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast (2, sliced into strips)
- Cajun Seasoning (1 tbsp)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- Penne or Fettuccine Pasta (8 oz)
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Bell Pepper (1, sliced – red or yellow)
- Heavy Cream (1 cup)
- Chicken Broth (½ cup)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Paprika (½ tsp)
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional for extra heat)
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the Spice: Use more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
- Substitute the Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
