Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine—spicy, smoky, and full of personality. Combine that with a rich, creamy sauce and tender, juicy chicken tossed with pasta, and you’ve got a dish that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta
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🌶️ Bold Cajun flavor: Just the right mix of heat and spice.
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🍝 Creamy and satisfying: The sauce coats every bite of pasta.
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🐔 Protein-packed: Chicken makes it hearty and filling.
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🥦 Customizable: Add shrimp, veggies, or make it low-carb.
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⏱️ Fast & easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less.
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🧊 Meal-prep friendly: Keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
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Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets.
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Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil or butter.
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Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
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Remove and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
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Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
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Season with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
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Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
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Stir in the sliced chicken.
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Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra cheese if desired.
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Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
1. Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Add peeled, deveined shrimp in Step 2. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side and set aside with the chicken.
2. Low-Carb Cajun Pasta
Use spiralized zucchini (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or low-carb pasta like Palmini.
3. Veggie Lovers’ Twist
Add mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for extra nutrition and color.
4. Extra Heat
Use more cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce like Louisiana or Tabasco.
5. Cheesy Upgrade
Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the sauce for a richer, meltier version.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Refrigerator:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Freezer:
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Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight and reheat over medium-low heat.
What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Pasta
Sides:
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Garlic bread or cheesy toast
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Steamed or roasted broccoli
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Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Grilled asparagus or green beans
Drinks:
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Sparkling water with lime
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Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry rosé
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Sweet iced tea or a light beer
Common Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shred and add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.
Is this dish spicy?
Cajun seasoning has some kick but is generally mild. You can always adjust the cayenne or add hot sauce to taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still rich.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold sauce well, but fettuccine and linguine also pair beautifully.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You may want to add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Balanced Flavor: Spicy Cajun heat meets rich creaminess, creating a bold yet smooth sauce.
✅ Quick Cooking: Simple steps, no complicated methods.
✅ Customizable: Works with what you have—different proteins, pasta shapes, or spice levels.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats well, perfect for busy weeks.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, date night, or hosting friends.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s hearty, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, making it a reliable go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions alike.
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine—spicy, smoky, and full of personality. Combine that with a rich, creamy sauce and tender, juicy chicken tossed with pasta, and you’ve got a dish that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade — see below)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or more for a lighter sauce)
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), and salt & pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and stir in Parmesan cheese. Let everything come together until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce and the sauce is nice and thick.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.