If you love a dish that’s bursting with bold, comforting flavors and just the perfect amount of creamy indulgence, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Imagine tender chicken crusted with spicy Cajun seasoning, tossed in perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that’s rich, smoky, and velvety smooth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this dish hits all the right notes and will likely become a go-to favorite!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, we keep things straightforward but never short on flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the Cajun seasoning that kicks up the heat and aroma, to the creamy Parmesan-infused sauce that coats every bite. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make this dish truly sing.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Quick to cook and perfect for soaking up that vibrant Cajun seasoning.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps you get a perfect sear on the chicken with a subtle fruity flavor.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that brings bold, smoky, and spicy notes.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti: Pasta shapes that hold creamy sauces beautifully.
Salt, for the pasta water: Seasons the pasta from within, never skip this step.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for the sauce): Ensures the flavor carries through every spoonful.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a deep smoky complexity that pairs perfectly with Cajun spices.
1 cup heavy cream: The creamy backbone that smooths out heat and ties everything together.
½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and flavorful without weighing it down.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami punch that enriches the cream sauce beautifully.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Offers a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color on top.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a full tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. This is what infuses each bite with that signature punch of spice. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s gorgeously golden and cooked through. Let it rest a few minutes to keep it juicy, then slice the chicken into tender strips or bite-sized pieces ready to mingle with the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your chicken is sizzling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your pasta of choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—meaning just tender with a bit of bite left to hold up under the creamy sauce. Before draining, remember to scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s magic for loosening the sauce and helping it cling beautifully to every noodle.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

To the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, add butter and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices bloom in the fragrant butter for a minute that deepens the flavor. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently as the sauce simmers and thickens over 4-5 minutes. Finish this luscious sauce by melting in your grated Parmesan cheese, which enriches the cream and adds savory depth. Taste and tweak your seasoning as needed—maybe a dash more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

This is where everything comes together. Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce and toss to coat every strand or piece. If the sauce feels too stiff, a splash of your reserved pasta water will give it a perfect, silky texture. Then fold in the sliced chicken, mixing it evenly so each bite gets a good hit of that spiced, tender protein. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if you like—such simple touches that feel like a special finish.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A little goes a long way when garnishing this dish. Freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely brightness and a splash of color that makes the creamy Cajun chicken pasta look as good as it tastes. For those who love heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes amps up the spice, while a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a zesty brightness that balances the dish’s richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta holds its own wonderfully, but pairing it with a light side salad brings refreshing contrast—think crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. If you want to add some veggies straight into your meal, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach seamlessly blend into the pasta, adding texture and making it a little heartier without overpowering the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or just make dinner feel extra special? Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta in pretty pasta bowls, garnished with parsley sprigs and a wedge of lemon on the side. You could even get playful and serve it inside hollowed-out portobello mushrooms or atop a bed of grilled zucchini ribbons for a low-carb twist. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or crispy fried onions on top for that delightful crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your creamy Cajun chicken pasta feast, any leftovers should be tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor those flavors again without a fuss.

Freezing

While the creamy nature of the sauce means freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining its perfect texture, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately if you want to prep ahead. When ready, thaw and gently reheat with freshly made sauce for the best experience.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it feels too thick or dry. This will revive the sauce’s silky consistency and keep your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta tasting just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which pairs wonderfully with the bold Cajun seasoning in the recipe.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand?

You can easily create a homemade blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This way, you control the spice levels and freshness.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be less rich. Also, adding more veggies is a great way to bulk up the meal without extra calories.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Just substitute your pasta for a gluten-free variety, ensuring it cooks al dente, and double-check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free too.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

To keep it vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even sautéed tofu. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a total crowd-pleaser and a dish that always feels like a little celebration of comfort food done right. It’s got that perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness that makes you want to come back for seconds. Don’t be shy to get creative with garnishes or sides, but even on its own, this dish shines bright. So grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and dive into a bowl of this flavorful goodness—you’ll thank me later!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breast sautéed to perfection and tossed with pasta in a velvety, spicy cream sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal combines bold Southern spices with creamy textures, delivering the perfect balance of heat and indulgence for a satisfying dinner.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to ensure the chicken is flavorful throughout.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and let rest.
Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces; set aside for later.
Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente according to package instructions.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta cooking water to help thin the sauce if needed.
Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and optionally toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning.
Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir well, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a seafood version of the dish.
Resting the chicken after cooking ensures juicier slices.
Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for better coating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Southern American