How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in just 30 minutes! It’s packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce, and colorful veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 medium (about 1 lb) | Can use chicken thighs if preferred. |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp | Store-bought or homemade. |
| Penne pasta | 8 oz (about 2 cups) | Can substitute with fettuccine or rigatoni. |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking the chicken. |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Adds richness to the sauce. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (minced) | Fresh garlic for maximum flavor. |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup (sliced, any color) | Red, yellow, or green for color variety. |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups | Creates a luscious, creamy sauce. |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup (grated) | Freshly grated for best taste. |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | To thin the sauce slightly. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust seasoning as needed. |
| Parsley | 2 tbsp (chopped, optional) | For garnish. |
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling pasta).
- Large skillet or sauté pan.
- Tongs (for flipping chicken).
- Cutting board and knife.
Method to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a voluminous pot of interspersed water to
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (generally around 10 – 12 twinkles).
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Rub 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Heat 2 soupspoons of olive oil painting in a voluminous skillet over medium- high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt 2 soupspoons of butter over medium heat
- append the diced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until ambrosial.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the ½ cup of chicken broth and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything
- Append the coocked pasta to the skillet and toss to fleece it evenly in the sauce..
- Still, append a splash of the reserved pasta water to slacken it up If the sauce is too thick.
- Stir in the sliced chicken and let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~550 |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Use fresh Parmesan: It melts better and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- Swap proteins: Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu can replace chicken for variety.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie option.
FAQ: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This recipe works well with fettuccine, linguine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the sauce is best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
3. What is Cajun seasoning, and can I make it at home?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano. You can easily make it by combining these spices to your taste.
4. Can I freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate when reheated. However, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even plant-based chicken substitutes.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and bursting with bold Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Try it out and customize it to suit your taste—you’ll love how versatile and delicious it is!