Cajun Chicken Pasta

Save this recipe on:

I can still smell the smoky spices that filled my kitchen the first time I made this Cajun Chicken Pasta. There’s just something irresistible about the bold kick of Cajun seasoning mingling with creamy sauce and tender pasta. I’ve always loved dishes that bring warmth and a little heat to the table, and this one delivers on every front.

As someone who loves experimenting with flavors, I was thrilled with how beautifully the spicy chicken pairs with the creamy, garlicky sauce. Every forkful feels like a little trip to New Orleans, with just the right amount of richness to make it comforting. And the colors — vibrant red peppers, specks of green onions, and golden chicken — make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

This Cajun Chicken Pasta quickly became a weeknight favorite in my house, and even my pickiest eaters can’t resist asking for seconds. It’s one of those recipes you can whip up without much fuss but still feels special enough for company. If you love bold flavors like my Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or crave comforting pasta dishes like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe too.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy and spicy, making it a hit with anyone who loves big flavors. The chicken is juicy, well-seasoned, and cooks up in minutes. The sauce is rich without being heavy, thanks to the balance of cream and broth. Plus, it’s easy to customize — adjust the heat level to your taste, or swap in your favorite veggies. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, providing lean, tender bites that soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.

Cajun seasoning: This spice blend is the star of the show, giving the dish its signature heat and smoky depth.

Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and adds a light fruity note to the dish.

Pasta: I prefer fettuccine or linguine, which hold onto the creamy sauce well.

Bell peppers: Their sweetness and crunch balance the spice and bring vibrant color to the plate.

Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory base that enhances the overall flavor.

Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.

Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and nutty richness that ties everything together.

Green onions: A final pop of freshness and color on top.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté sliced bell peppers until slightly tender. Add minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it well. Add the sliced chicken back on top and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re in the mood to switch things up, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is easy to adapt. Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, or add sausage for an even heartier meal. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes — penne and rigatoni work beautifully. To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

I love serving this Cajun Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It also pairs nicely with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer that can cut through the richness of the sauce. If you want to keep it simple, just garnish with extra Parmesan and let the pasta shine on its own.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life and prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat or even in the microwave.

FAQs

How spicy is Cajun Chicken Pasta?

It has a noticeable kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook everything ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.

What kind of pasta works best for Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Fettuccine and linguine are my favorites because they hold the sauce beautifully, but any pasta you love will work.

Can I freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the creamy sauce tends to separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you enjoyed this Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll probably love my Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta as well. It’s another creamy, comforting dish packed with bold flavors that your family will request again and again.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If you love this recipe as much as I do, don’t forget to save it for later! Pin this Cajun Chicken Pasta on your Pinterest board so you can find it easily the next time you crave something creamy and spicy. Feel free to share it with your friends and family on social media — because good food is always better when shared!

Save this recipe on: