Spicy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Tender, seasoned chicken, coated in a rich, garlicky Cajun cream sauce, is tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
✔ Bold & Spicy – The perfect balance of heat and creamy goodness.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup with minimal effort!
✔ Better Than Takeout – A restaurant-style meal made in your own kitchen.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies!
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced (optional for added crunch)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water for later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, letting them soften slightly in the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice for a touch of freshness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
- Add grilled shrimp for a seafood twist!
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
✔ Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente for the perfect bite.
✔ Adjust the Spice Level – Reduce Cajun seasoning for milder flavors or add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
✔ Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk + Greek yogurt mix.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great—just toss it in the sauce to warm up.
Q2: What’s the best pasta for this dish?
A: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine hold the creamy sauce well.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Conclusion: A Spicy & Creamy Pasta Delight!
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a kick! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and get ready to fall in love with its bold, creamy flavors!
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Enjoy your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta and spice up your dinner table!
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Spicy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Tender, seasoned chicken, coated in a rich, garlicky Cajun cream sauce, is tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced (optional for added crunch)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water for later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, letting them soften slightly in the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice for a touch of freshness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top!
Notes
Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente for the perfect bite.
Adjust the Spice Level – Reduce Cajun seasoning for milder flavors or add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk + Greek yogurt mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
