Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe — Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for Weeknight Dinners
I still remember the first time I tasted Cajun Chicken Pasta: it was at a small family-run restaurant during a rainy evening in New Orleans. The warmth of the spices, the richness of the cream, and the tender chicken felt like a hug on a plate. Ever since, I’ve recreated that cozy feeling in my kitchen on busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. Cajun Chicken Pasta borrows its bold seasonings from Cajun cuisine — a flavorful tradition born in Louisiana from French Acadian roots blended with Southern and Creole influences — making every forkful a little piece of Southern comfort.
Who is this recipe for?
- This dish is perfect for busy parents, weeknight cooks who want a quick but impressive meal, and anyone who loves creamy, spicy pasta dinners.
Core ingredients overview:
- This dish combines sliced chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spice, pasta (penne or fettuccine), a silky sauce made from heavy cream and chicken broth, sautéed bell pepper, onion, and garlic, finished with grated Parmesan — an easy, flavorful dinner.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools (you’ll need):
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Box grater (for Parmesan)
Ingredients (with benefits):
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced — lean protein to keep the dish filling and satisfying
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning — provides bold, smoky, and spicy flavor quickly
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) — hearty base that soaks up the creamy sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream — creates a rich, velvety sauce and adds indulgence
- 1 cup chicken broth — balances the cream and adds savory depth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — healthy fat for sautéing and preventing sticking
- 1 bell pepper, sliced — adds sweetness, color, and vitamin C
- 1 onion, chopped — builds a savory flavor foundation and natural sweetness when cooked
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — boosts flavor and provides aromatic depth
- Salt and pepper to taste — essential for seasoning and enhancing other flavors
- Parmesan cheese for serving — adds umami, saltiness, and a creamy finish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the sliced chicken with the Cajun seasoning, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, mix well, and heat through so the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the Cajun spice if you like it bolder.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can freeze leftovers, but cream-based sauces sometimes change texture when frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately from the sauce, or reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can substitute half-and-half thinned with a tablespoon of butter per cup for a lighter option, or use a full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist (the flavor will be different).
Q: How can I make this less spicy?
A: Reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon or use a mild Cajun blend. You can also add more cream or a splash of milk to mellow the heat.
Q: Can I use other proteins or make this vegetarian?
A: Yes — shrimp or sliced sausage work wonderfully. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Tips & Tricks
- Toast the Cajun seasoning on the chicken for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to deepen the spice flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — aim for just al dente so it holds up when mixed into the sauce.
- If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water for a silkier consistency.
- For extra freshness, finish with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chopped parsley to brighten the dish.
Enjoy this cozy, flavorful meal with family or friends — don’t forget to share the recipe if it becomes a favorite!
Conclusion
For a quick one-pot version with helpful video guidance, check out Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (with Video) – Budget Bytes. If you want a classic, widely-loved take, try the recipe at Best Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. For step-by-step photos and tips on creamy texture, see Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – NatashasKitchen.com. If you prefer a family-friendly penne style with helpful notes, visit Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Sugar Spun Run. And for reader-tested variants and reviews, take a look at Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, sliced Lean protein to keep the dish filling.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Provides bold flavor quickly.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth Balances the cream and adds depth.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) Hearty base that soaks up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Healthy fat for sautéing.
- 1 piece bell pepper, sliced Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 piece onion, chopped Builds a savory flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Provides aromatic depth.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
- to taste Parmesan cheese Adds umami and creaminess.
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, mix well, and heat through so the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the Cajun spice if desired.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy.
