Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together tender slices of seasoned chicken with a rich, spicy cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting Southern-inspired meal that I love making when I want something satisfying with a kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta dish packs both heat and creaminess in every bite. The Cajun seasoning gives it a deep, smoky flavor while the creamy sauce balances it out for a smooth finish. It’s all made in one pan, which keeps cleanup minimal, and it’s versatile enough for both weeknight meals and casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic (minced)
Onion (chopped)
Bell peppers (sliced)
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken slices generously with Cajun seasoning.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Then I remove it and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the garlic, onion, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and cream, stirring well to combine.
I let it simmer gently, then stir in Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce.
Meanwhile, I cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain it.
I return the cooked chicken to the sauce and add the pasta, tossing everything together until evenly coated.
I season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and total cooking time is about 25 minutes, so I can have it ready in 40 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, or I mix both for a combo. I also swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use plant-based cream for a dairy-free option. If I’m craving extra veggies, I add mushrooms, spinach, or even diced tomatoes.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It reheats well, but I make sure not to overcook the pasta when reheating so it doesn’t turn mushy.

FAQs

How spicy is this Cajun pasta?

It has a moderate kick, but I can adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne pepper if I want it spicier.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken before—just season it well with Cajun spice and warm it in the sauce.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

I usually go with penne, fettuccine, or linguine—anything that holds the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving. I just keep a bit of extra cream or broth on hand to refresh the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It’s easy to make gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all seasoning blends and broth are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes I keep coming back to. It’s packed with flavor, wonderfully creamy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Whether I’m cooking for myself or a group, this recipe always delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.