Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe – Bold, Spicy & So Satisfying!
Alright, let’s talk this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta—the pasta dish that said, “Why not be bold, creamy, and comforting all at once?”
This isn’t just a weeknight meal; it’s the kind of Cajun pasta that’ll make your family think you secretly went to culinary school. It’s rich, smoky, a little spicy, and ridiculously creamy — the perfect Cajun pasta recipe for any night. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, impressing a dinner date, or just living your best solo-carb life, this creamy garlic Cajun pasta absolutely delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🔥 Bold & Flavorful – Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat, while the creamy sauce cools it down just right.
⏱ Quick & Easy – On the table in under 30 minutes. Yes, really.
🍗 Creamy Chicken Dinner Vibes – Juicy, seasoned chicken + pasta + dreamy garlic cream sauce = comfort food goals.
Jump to RecipeIngredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley & red pepper flakes, for garnish
🥘 How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1 – Season & Sear the Chicken
Slice up chicken breasts and coat them in Cajun seasoning with a touch of olive oil. Sear until golden brown in a hot skillet — that crust? Flavor magic.
Step 2 – Boil the Pasta
Cook your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, bowtie, linguine) in salted water until al dente. Don’t forget to save some pasta water — it’s key for silky sauce later.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Cajun Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, sauté garlic and onions in butter. Stir in heavy cream, a splash of broth, and grated Parmesan. Simmer into a dreamy Cajun-style sauce.
Step 4 – Bring It Together
Add the pasta and chicken into that creamy Cajun sauce. Toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if you want it extra luscious.
Step 5 – Garnish & Serve
Top with more Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes if you’re into heat. Serve hot — and get ready for zero leftovers.
Expert Tips & Variations
💡 Swap for Shrimp – Use Cajun shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Just don’t overcook it!
💡 Go Light – Sub half & half for heavy cream and skip the butter for a lighter version.
💡 Make it Extra – Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for bonus veggies and color.
What to Serve With It
🍞 Garlic Bread – Because no one ever said “too much garlic.”
🥗 Simple Green Salad – Something crisp to balance the creamy richness.
🍋 Roasted Veggies or Lemon Asparagus – Add a zesty twist to the table.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months (just know the cream sauce may separate slightly on thawing).
Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess.
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes700
kcal30
minutesThis Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
3 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Coat the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and onions, and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return cooked pasta and chicken to the pan. Toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta!
Notes
- Lighter option: Use half & half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrition.
- Swap the protein: Try Cajun shrimp or sausage instead of chicken.
Common Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
❓ Is it super spicy?
It’s got a kick, but it’s totally manageable. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice level—or mix in a little sour cream if you need to tone it down.
❓ What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Easy and delicious!
📢 Did you try this recipe?
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