Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce bursting with Cajun flavor.
This crowd-pleasing recipe is a weeknight favorite thanks to its quick prep, simple ingredients, and restaurant-quality taste. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky kick that balances beautifully with the creamy sauce, while bell peppers and garlic enhance its depth.
Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to impress with minimal effort, this pasta delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s a satisfying, one-pan meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
EASY CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
Description
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich and spicy cream sauce.
The pasta is tossed in a blend of garlic, Cajun spices, and cream, delivering a comforting kick of heat and silkiness.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Bell peppers and onions add freshness and color, while Parmesan cheese deepens the flavor.
This one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for fast, hearty dinners with a southern twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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Season chicken strips generously with Cajun seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and sauté garlic and red bell pepper for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. If it’s too thick, loosen the sauce with a bit of reserved pasta water.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Cajun spice if desired.
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Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Tips, Tricks & Serving Guide
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for those who love a little heat, creamy texture, and a whole lot of flavor.
It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to make—ideal for weeknights or casual dinner parties. Below you'll find everything you need to know to make it shine every time.
What Makes It Special?
This dish combines juicy seared chicken with pasta, sautéed veggies, and a Cajun-spiced cream sauce. It’s rich and comforting, with a kick of spice and bold, smoky undertones from the Cajun seasoning. A little cream, cheese, and garlic bring it all together.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use homemade Cajun seasoning (if possible):
Store-bought Cajun seasoning often contains a lot of salt. You can easily make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the heat to your taste! - Pound the chicken breasts:
Flattening your chicken slightly ensures even cooking and a better sear. Season generously for extra flavor. - Don’t skimp on browning:
When cooking the chicken, get a good sear—brown bits (fond) in the pan will deepen the flavor of the sauce. - Reserve some pasta water:
It’s liquid gold! It can help loosen your sauce if it gets too thick and adds silkiness thanks to the starch. - Add cheese off heat:
To avoid a grainy texture, stir in Parmesan or cream cheese at the very end, off the heat.
Serving Tricks to Impress
- Go with fettuccine or penne:
These pastas hold up well to creamy sauces. Penne captures bits of chicken and sauce in every bite, while fettuccine adds a silky, elegant texture. - Top with fresh herbs and lemon zest:
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and a bit of lemon zest cut through the richness and make the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. - Serve in a wide shallow bowl:
It looks beautiful plated this way, allowing the sauce to settle and the chicken to shine. - Add crunch:
For texture contrast, try sprinkling crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs over the top before serving. - Pair it up:
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus to balance the creaminess.
Servings and Customization
- This recipe typically serves 4 hearty portions, or 6 smaller portions if served with sides.
- You can easily double it for meal prep or entertaining.
Variations to try:
- Substitute shrimp or sausage for chicken.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist (plus a touch of lime for brightness).
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that checks every box: fast, flavorful, and customizable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice lovers, it’s easy to adapt. The Cajun flavors offer a smoky-sweet heat, balanced beautifully by the rich cream sauce and tender pasta. It feels indulgent, but it’s doable even on a weeknight.
Want to elevate it even further? Try making it with homemade pasta, add a splash of white wine to the sauce, or finish it with a drizzle of truffle oil if you’re feeling fancy. Whether you’re serving it to guests or just digging into a big bowl solo on the couch—it’s guaranteed comfort food with a bold personality.
Once you’ve made it once, you’ll want to keep it in regular rotation. It’s that good.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this pasta “Cajun”?
The signature Cajun flavor comes from the seasoning blend, which typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
This mix gives the dish a smoky, spicy, and bold taste. Store-bought Cajun seasoning works well, but you can also make your own.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also balance the spice with extra cream, cheese, or even a splash of milk to mellow it out.
Using sweet bell peppers instead of hot ones also helps reduce the overall spice level.
What kind of pasta should I use?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work best because they hold the creamy sauce well. However, any pasta you have on hand (like rotini or rigatoni) will do just fine.
Whole wheat or gluten-free options also work, depending on your dietary needs.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store separately and reheat with a splash of cream or milk to keep it smooth.
Cook the pasta fresh or slightly undercook it beforehand to avoid sogginess when reheated. This makes it great for meal prep or leftovers the next day.
