If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta and vibrant veggies, this Chicken Pasta is a true winner. It hits all the right notes: rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal meal for cozy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The combination of Cajun seasoning and sweet bell peppers gives this Chicken Pasta an irresistible pop of color and spice that keeps every bite exciting and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering Chicken Pasta. Each element plays a crucial role, lending layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful balance between savory and creamy.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The starring protein providing tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.
Cajun seasoning: Adds a smoky, spicy kick that brings warmth and character.
Paprika: Enhances color and adds mild earthiness.
Garlic powder: Offers subtle depth and aromatic notes.
Olive oil: For sautéing and enriching the flavors.
Red and green bell peppers: Provide sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and complexity.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce without overwhelming salt.
Cream cheese: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture that envelops every pasta piece.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and sharpness that perfectly balances the creaminess.
Penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully for every bite to be filled with flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to taste and bring all ingredients together.

How to Make Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust that enhances the entire dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. In the same pan, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize, releasing their natural sweetness that perfectly contrasts the spices on the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While cooking the chicken and vegetables, prepare the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later if needed to adjust sauce consistency.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Return the skillet with veggies to medium heat and pour in the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes, reducing slightly. Then, add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely into a creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, which will add a wonderful, rich depth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated in the luscious sauce and every forkful has a nice balance of chicken and veggies.

How to Serve Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take your Chicken Pasta from comforting to downright stunning. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a bright, herbal lift. A little extra grated Parmesan can never go wrong, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add extra heat if you love bold flavors.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices work wonderfully for soaking up every last bit of sauce, making your meal feel indulgently complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Pasta in hollowed-out bell peppers or individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. This makes an impressive presentation for guests or adds a cozy, personalized touch to family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the creamy sauce from drying out. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Chicken Pasta, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, especially the pasta, but it will still be delicious after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick or dry to refresh the creamy texture of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne or rotini are great for holding the sauce, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.

Is this Chicken Pasta spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a nice gentle heat and smoky flavor, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of seasoning or skip the crushed red pepper to tailor the spice level to your taste.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can help add a cheesy flavor, and using coconut milk or other creamy nondairy milk can maintain the luscious sauce texture.

What can I do if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No worries! You can make a quick blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to mimic Cajun flavors. It’s easy and customizable based on what you enjoy.

Can I prepare Chicken Pasta ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can cook the components separately in advance. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently and combine right before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor for your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Pasta recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share because it brings warmth, color, and comfort to the table with every bite. It’s a perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies that feels like a hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and see how effortlessly it turns any mealtime into something special and memorable.

Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

This flavorful Chicken Pasta combines tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts with sautéed bell peppers and onions, tossed in a creamy Parmesan and cream cheese sauce over perfectly cooked penne or rotini. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and packs a punch of bold, savory flavors with a smooth, indulgent sauce.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasonings

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 yellow onion, sliced

Sauce & Pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion. Sauté on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Cook the pasta: While the vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce: To the skillet with vegetables, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cubed cream cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
You can substitute cream cheese with half-and-half or heavy cream for a lighter or richer sauce, respectively.
For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.