This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together fast. With tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Cajun flavor with a creamy, comforting finish
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Family-friendly and easy to adjust the spice level
- Restaurant-style pasta made in under 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level
- Penne holds sauce well, but fettuccine adds extra creaminess
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, nut-free
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad
- Leftover sauce thickens; loosen with broth when reheating
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 32g
FAQ
Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta less spicy?
Yes, reduce Cajun seasoning and skip red pepper flakes.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal, but rigatoni or linguine also work well.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the best texture, but whole milk with extra Parmesan can work.
Is Cajun Chicken Pasta good for meal prep?
Yes, store portions separately and reheat gently with broth.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are great additions.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended due to cream sauce separation
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth
Similar Recipes
Cajun Chicken Pasta (Creamy & Easy Weeknight Dinner)
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with tender chicken and bold spices.Ready in under 40 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.Perfect for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad
- Leftover sauce thickens; loosen with broth when reheating
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor, creamy comfort, and easy preparation all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a satisfying pasta night, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.