CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA CREAMY DREAMY BOLD

The way the creamy sauce perfectly coats every strand of pasta, clinging with a gentle embrace, is the heart and soul of this Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, where tender chicken meets perfectly cooked pasta, all bathed in a rich, spicy, and utterly irresistible sauce.

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. Imagine twirling your fork around a generous portion, the aroma of Cajun spices filling your senses, and then that first bite – a creamy, spicy, savory explosion that will leave you craving more. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend treat!

Ingredient Notes

Using quality ingredients is crucial for any recipe, but especially one where the flavors are so bold and distinct. Fresh herbs, high-quality pasta, and well-sourced chicken will make all the difference. Don’t skimp on the spices either – they’re the heart of Cajun cuisine!

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show (for even cooking).
• Pasta: Fettuccine is classic, but penne or linguine work well too (choose your favorite shape!).
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich and decadent (don’t substitute milk!).
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper (the soul of the dish!).
• Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color to the dish (use a mix of red, green, and yellow for visual appeal).
• Onion: Aromatic base for the sauce (yellow or white onion works best).
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent kick (don’t use garlic powder!).
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce (low-sodium is recommended).
• Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness (unsalted butter is preferred).
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken (extra virgin olive oil is a good choice).
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor (avoid pre-grated cheese).
• Green Onions: For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant touch (scallions are a great alternative).

Swaps & Alternatives

• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sliced mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes.
• If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
• Spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrients and color.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Flavor Boosts

Ready to take your Cajun Chicken Pasta to the next level? Here are a few ideas to elevate the flavor and make it truly unforgettable.

• Add Andouille Sausage: Sliced andouille sausage adds a smoky, spicy kick that complements the Cajun flavors perfectly.
• Brown Butter: Brown the butter before adding the vegetables for a nutty, caramelized flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a touch of acidity.
• Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika in the Cajun seasoning for a deeper, smokier flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner cook. The key is to follow the steps carefully and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in about 30 minutes.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

4. Build the Base

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a ton of flavor to the sauce! Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.

5. Add the Cream and Seasoning

Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

6. Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy! If you’re a fan of seafood, you might also enjoy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Crab Pasta.

What to Serve

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with a few complementary sides. Here are some ideas to round out your menu:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Cornbread: A sweet and savory cornbread is a great accompaniment to the Cajun flavors.
• If you’re looking for a comforting starter, consider Cajun Potato Soup.

This recipe is also similar to Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet, but with a creamier sauce. For a simpler version, check out Creamy Cajun Chicken. And if you love sausage, try Cajun Sausage Pasta. You can even make a big batch in the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Know someone who loves Cajun Chicken Pasta? Share this recipe with them!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for searing
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper red, green, or yellow
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
• Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
• Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sliced mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. Add Andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.