Introduction

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings a spicy Cajun twist to a classic creamy pasta. With tender chicken, a rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

A close-up view of creamy penne pasta mixed with chunks of browned grilled chicken, all coated in a rich off-white sauce with visible black pepper specks. The pasta pieces are slightly shiny and smooth, with some fresh green herb leaves scattered lightly on top. The chicken pieces are golden with a seared texture, sitting on top of and mixed within the pasta, which fills a white bowl. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus extra as needed
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for the pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set pasta aside. Toss lightly with olive oil if desired to prevent sticking.
Step 3: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it. Add sliced chicken and gently toss again until combined and heated through.
Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful and juicy result.
Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Substitute chicken with shrimp for a delicious Cajun seafood twist.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the rich sauce beautifully.

Storage

Store any leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with golden-brown grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is coated in a rich, light beige sauce with specks of black pepper, adding texture and color. Small green herb leaves are scattered lightly on top, adding a touch of color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the image focuses closely on the food, showing the juicy texture of the chicken and the smooth sauce covering the penne. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well, but penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal for holding the creamy Cajun sauce.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit red pepper flakes to lower the heat level. You can also add more cream or cheese to mellow the spice.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 368 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, velvety Cajun cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The bold Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring a smoky heat, balanced by the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy stovetop meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Optional Garnishes and Variations:

Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Fresh lemon juice for brightness
Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
Shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse bold flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest.
Slice the Chicken: After resting for a few minutes, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: While chicken cooks, boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting them bloom in the butter for about 1 minute to release full flavor.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning as needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it’s too thick.
Add Chicken: Incorporate sliced chicken, mixing until evenly distributed through the pasta.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful meal.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to add nutrition and variety.
Shrimp can be used instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
If desired, use thighs for juicier chicken with more flavor.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Cajun Seasoning, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Pasta