Introduction

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a bold, spicy sauce. The rich cream sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken make it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

The image shows a bowl filled with three layers: at the bottom is a layer of creamy white sauce with a smooth texture, covering a layer of light beige penne pasta that looks soft and cooked, and on top are small chunks of golden-brown grilled chicken pieces, slightly charred with visible black pepper specks and small green herb leaves scattered across for garnish, all in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. 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 for the sauce
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. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
Make your own Cajun seasoning by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Storage

Store any leftover 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 chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy pasta and grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is penne, coated in a smooth, light beige sauce that looks rich and thick. On top, there are multiple chunks of golden-brown grilled chicken, with a slightly crispy outside and juicy inside, scattered evenly over the pasta. Small green herbs are sprinkled throughout, adding some color contrast. Black pepper flakes are lightly scattered on top of the dish. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface. 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, you can use any pasta shape you prefer such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. The sauce pairs well with both short and long pasta.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the spice by using less seasoning or choosing a milder blend to suit your taste.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, smoked paprika, garlic, and Parmesan. This dish offers a perfect balance of bold spice and velvety texture, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Author: Zane
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 the pasta water

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)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Incorporate Cheese and Adjust Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Add the drained pasta and chicken to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
To make it spicier, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use gluten-free pasta if you want a gluten-free version of this dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe