Delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta for Flavorful Main Dishes

I still remember the first time I whipped up this Cajun Chicken Pasta—it was one of those busy weeknights where I had zero brain space for complicated meals. I wanted something quick but packed with flavor. As soon as the creamy, spicy sauce hit my taste buds, I thought, “Why haven’t I made this before?” This recipe became my go-to for those nights when I want comfort food with a kick.

Cajun Chicken Pasta fits into my foodie life like an old friend who always shows up with something delicious and easy. It brings me joy because it’s rich and creamy, but the Cajun seasoning recipe gives it that perfect spicy punch. The blend of flavors makes it feel special but still approachable—a total win for everyday cooking. Each time I make this blackened chicken pasta, the whole kitchen smells like a cozy foodie haven.

If you love a spicy chicken pasta that’s creamy yet bold, you’re going to adore this. I’m excited for you to dive in and see how simple it is to get those flavors dancing on your plate. Trust me, once you try this Cajun Chicken Pasta, it’s going to become one of your favorites too. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s get going!

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta: chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, pasta, olive oil, red bell pepper, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley

Here’s the basic lineup for this Cajun Chicken Pasta that keeps things simple and tasty:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (thinly sliced or cubed—perfect for that blackened chicken pasta vibe)
  • 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (you can use store-bought or make your own Cajun seasoning recipe below)
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that golden sear on your spicy chicken pasta)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (this makes it a creamy Cajun pasta dream)
  • ¾ cup chicken broth (for a saucy base that’s full of flavor)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing and that fresh touch)

Out of heavy cream? No problem! You can swap with half-and-half or a mix of cream cheese and milk—it still works beautifully in this Cajun Chicken Pasta. And if you don’t have fettuccine handy, penne or even rigatoni will turn this into a cozy Cajun Alfredo pasta feast too.

You can find everything you need at any grocery store, which makes this dish budget-friendly and doable on a weeknight. Plus, it’s great for leftovers: just store your Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container, and it keeps well for 3-4 days.

Personal twist alert: I always add a little extra Cajun seasoning on the chicken before cooking. It amps up the spice and that signature blackened chicken pasta flavor you’re craving. Don’t be shy—this dish lives for bold seasoning!

Let’s Cook This Together:

1. Start by getting your pasta boiling in salted water. Your kitchen’s about to smell incredible with this Cajun Chicken Pasta in progress.

2. While the pasta cooks, toss sliced chicken in the Cajun seasoning, coating every piece well. This step is where the magic for that spicy chicken pasta happens.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s nicely blackened and cooked through—about 5-6 minutes. You want those zesty edges that make this blackened chicken pasta stand out.

4. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in sliced red bell peppers and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic.

5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce has thickened slightly—your creamy Cajun pasta sauce is coming to life.

6. Drain your pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing everything together. Add the chicken back in and stir, ensuring every bite is coated with that creamy Cajun sauce.

7. Take a moment here—even the best Cajun Chicken Pasta needs a little time to let those flavors marry. If your sauce looks a bit thick, adding a splash of broth or cream helps get it just right.

8. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe another dash of Cajun seasoning if you’re feeling spicy.

Start to finish, this Cajun Chicken Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a realistic dinner even on your busiest nights. While your pasta’s boiling and sauce’s simmering, pour yourself a little something to sip—you earned it!

Pro kitchen nugget: Don’t rush the chicken cooking step. Getting a good sear is what transforms this into a crowd-pleaser blackened chicken pasta. Patience here is deliciously rewarded every time!

How to Serve & Savor It:

This Cajun Chicken Pasta truly shines when you serve it up with a fresh green salad or garlicky roasted veggies on the side. The brightness of the salad balances out the creamy Cajun pasta richness perfectly.

For sidekick status, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is a must. They soak up the Cajun Alfredo pasta sauce like a dream, leaving your plate wiped clean (which we all love).

My absolute favorite time to enjoy this Cajun Chicken Pasta is during relaxed weekend dinners or when friends come over for casual eats. It’s creamy, spicy, and filling—the perfect dish to bond over with people who get you.

Leftovers? Here’s a fun twist: turn your Cajun Chicken Pasta into a baked casserole by mixing it with a bit of extra cheese, topping with breadcrumbs, and broiling until golden. Instant new meal style!

And hey, I stumbled on this idea after loving how the creamy Cajun chicken pasta from Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Sip and Feast inspired me to play with flavors. Give that a try if you want to shake it up!

Your Questions, Answered:

1. Can I prep parts of this Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead?

Absolutely! You can season and cook the chicken a day ahead—just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready. Sauce can also be made earlier and warmed as you cook the pasta.

2. What’s a good swap for heavy cream in this Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Half-and-half works well if you want to lighten it up. Alternatively, Greek yogurt mixed in at the end can add creaminess without heaviness (but add off heat to avoid curdling).

3. Can I make this Cajun Chicken Pasta vegetarian?

Totally! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or hearty tofu chunks with extra Cajun seasoning. The creamy sauce carries the dish brilliantly even without meat.

4. How spicy is the Cajun seasoning recipe for this pasta?

It’s got a good punch but not overwhelming for most palates. You can dial the spice up or down by adjusting the cayenne pepper in your Cajun seasoning recipe.

5. What pasta works best for Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Fettuccine or penne are my go-to favorites because they hold sauce well. But don’t stress—any pasta shape you have on hand will make a tasty creamy Cajun pasta.

6. Can this dish be gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning ingredients. Many seasoning blends are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to check.

7. How do I keep the chicken juicy and flavorful?

Marinating the chicken briefly in a little olive oil with Cajun seasoning before cooking makes a huge difference. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when searing to get that blackened texture.

If you want some inspo on other fun chicken dishes to mix into your week, check out these easy crowd-pleasers like chicken avocado ranch burritos or my cozy turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup.

Final Foodie Thoughts:

This Cajun Chicken Pasta has taken a sweet spot in my foodie heart because it’s just impossible not to love that creamy, spicy combo. It’s become a reliable go-to whenever I want something comforting but with a zesty kick.

My Top Cajun Chicken Pasta Tips:

  • Use plenty of Cajun seasoning on the chicken — it’s where all the flavor magic happens.
  • Don’t rush the sauce! Stir it gently to get that luscious creamy Cajun pasta texture.
  • Experiment adding veggies you love – red bell peppers are great, but mushrooms or spinach work wonders too.

Variations I’ve loved include swapping fettuccine for penne or adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. The blackened chicken pasta version stays a regular favorite for its boldness, but creamy Cajun pasta with extra garlic always gets requests too.

If you want even more creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe ideas, check out this tasty recipe at Budget Bytes or the simple, delicious take at Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta {Easy Cajun Alfredo} – Key To My Lime.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta served on a plate garnished with parsley

I hope you love making this Cajun Chicken Pasta as much as I enjoy sharing it with friends. There’s something so satisfying about nailing a dish that’s both impressive and easy, right? Can’t wait to hear how it turns out in your kitchen—go on, get cooking, friends!

Print

Cajun Chicken Pasta

A flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta combining spicy seasoned chicken with a creamy, savory sauce tossed with tender pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

  • Author: Tayla Emerson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and slice into strips.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, sliced red and green bell peppers, and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or garnish with sliced jalapeños.

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