Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. The combination of heat and creaminess makes every bite satisfying and indulgent, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta blends spice and cream in a perfect balance. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky, peppery kick, while the creamy sauce smooths everything out into pure comfort. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and easily adjustable depending on how spicy I want it. It’s one of those meals that feels like restaurant-quality but comes together right in my own kitchen.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Cajun seasoning

• Olive oil

• Penne or fettuccine pasta

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then I drain it and set it aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I coat the chicken breasts in Cajun seasoning on both sides.

3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. I let it rest before slicing.

4. In the same skillet, I lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.

5. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

6. I season the sauce with a little salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want more heat.

7. I toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, then add the sliced chicken on top. I garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in about 35 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for more texture and flavor.

• For extra heat, I increase the Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce.

• I’ve swapped chicken for shrimp, and it works perfectly with the same seasoning and sauce.

• I occasionally lighten it up with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, then heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Stirring often helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

FAQs

What pasta works best with this recipe?

I usually go with penne or fettuccine, but any pasta that holds sauce well, like rigatoni or linguine, works great too.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, I use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes when I want it milder. The creamy sauce helps balance the spice as well.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

I mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper to create a homemade version—it’s quick and easy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if I’m short on time, I slice or shred pre-cooked chicken and just toss it into the sauce to warm through before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The sauce is gluten-free, but I make sure to use gluten-free pasta and double-check the Cajun seasoning ingredients to be certain.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those meals I turn to when I want something spicy, comforting, and filling. The bold Cajun spices paired with a rich cream sauce and hearty pasta make it a go-to favorite in my kitchen. It’s quick, customizable, and always hits the spot.