Short Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in Cajun seasoning, tossed with a rich and creamy sauce, and served over pasta. This easy-to-make meal is packed with spice, smoky flavors, and a hint of garlic, making it a satisfying and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable with different proteins and vegetables.
- A restaurant-quality dish made at home.
- Great for meal prep and reheats well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Melt butter in the same pan and sauté garlic and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pan.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding pasta water if needed for a smooth sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes.
- Shrimp Cajun Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms and zucchini instead of chicken.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without pasta for best texture).
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but making your own allows you to control the spice level.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Penne, fettuccine, or linguine hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich—add a little butter for extra creaminess.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding cream and stir continuously.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but searing fresh chicken gives the best flavor.
What vegetables can I add?
Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work well.
How can I make the dish dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I cook this in one pan?
Yes, cook the chicken first, then make the sauce in the same pan for minimal cleanup.
How do I make it even creamier?
Add extra Parmesan or a spoonful of cream cheese.
What pairs well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables complement it well.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a spicy, rich, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make in just 30 minutes. Whether you like it extra spicy, with shrimp, or loaded with veggies, this recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Try it for dinner tonight and enjoy bold flavors with every bite!
Print
This rich and creamy Cajun chicken pasta is packed with bold flavors, tender chicken, smoked sausage, and a luscious, spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with egg noodles. An easy and satisfying dinner for any night of the week!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra for chicken)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season & cook the chicken – Coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Sauté the sausage & garlic – In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce – Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the pasta – Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Finish the sauce – Stir in Parmesan cheese, butter, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble & serve – Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For an extra creamy sauce, add more Parmesan cheese or a little cream cheese.
- You can substitute fettuccine or penne pasta instead of egg noodles.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of cream.