Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Spicy, Rich, and Irresistible Dish

ByEmma

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s bold, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is your answer. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. The Cajun seasoning brings the heat, the cream sauce balances it out, and the tender chicken ties it all together.

Trust me, once you try this, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you need. Pro tip: Prep all your ingredients ahead of time (mise en place) to make cooking seamless.

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade—more on that later)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Pro tip: Salt your pasta water like the sea—it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself!

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

  • Toss the chicken strips with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, ensuring they’re well coated.
  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if needed.

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in the garlic, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Fun twist: Add a splash of white wine here for extra depth (just let it reduce before moving on).

4. Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  • Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything until well coated in that luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. For a restaurant-worthy touch, drizzle with a bit of olive oil or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional but Worth It)

If you don’t have store-bought Cajun seasoning, mix:

  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

This blend lets you control the spice level—perfect for tailoring to your taste.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Heat: The cream tames the Cajun spice, creating harmony in every bite.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
  • Versatile: Swap shrimp for chicken, add veggies, or go lighter with milk instead of cream.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is comfort food with a kick—ideal for when you want something hearty but exciting. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need fancy techniques to make something truly delicious.

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