Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella is the kind of dinner that makes people ask for seconds before finishing their first bite. With juicy chicken bathed in a luxurious Cajun-spiced cream sauce, melty mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, this pasta brings a restaurant-quality dish right into your kitchen.

This recipe offers the best of both worlds: bold flavor and velvety texture. Cajun seasoning brings a hint of heat and a whole lot of character, while the garlic and Parmesan make the sauce undeniably comforting. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party, this dish has crowd-pleaser written all over it.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you crave dishes with a creamy texture and a kick of spice, this one is for you. The balance of flavors is what makes this pasta shine. The smoky heat from the Cajun spice blends beautifully with the rich creaminess of the sauce. Add tender chicken and cheesy goodness, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make.

It’s also highly customizable. You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or switch the pasta shape to whatever you have on hand. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, penne or fettuccine work best. Penne holds the sauce inside its tubes, giving you flavorful bites every time. Fettuccine, on the other hand, wraps itself luxuriously in the cream sauce, delivering that rich mouthfeel you want in a comforting pasta dish.

Avoid small or delicate pasta shapes like orzo or angel hair for this one. The sauce is thick and bold, and it pairs best with noodles that can stand up to it. If you’re feeling adventurous, try rigatoni or even rotini for a texture twist.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

This recipe combines pantry staples with a few fresh ingredients to build deep, layered flavor. The Cajun seasoning does the heavy lifting in terms of spice, while the cheese and cream bring everything together in a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

  • Chicken breasts – These provide a hearty, protein-rich base for the dish.
  • Pasta – Penne or fettuccine are best, but other sturdy pastas work too.
  • Cajun seasoning – The flavor backbone that adds smoky heat and depth.
  • Heavy cream – This creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, nutty element to the creamy sauce.
  • Mozzarella cheese – Adds melty richness and body.
  • Garlic cloves – Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor.
  • Olive oil – For searing the chicken and starting the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.
  • Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and fresh finish.
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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously coat the chicken breasts in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta of choice in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits. Add Parmesan and mozzarella gradually, stirring until melted into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to plates or a large serving bowl. Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh note. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

When making creamy Cajun chicken pasta, it’s easy to go a bit overboard with the seasoning. While Cajun spice is delicious, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amount and adjust at the end if needed. Another common misstep is overcooking the chicken. Aim for a golden sear and remove it as soon as it reaches a safe internal temperature to keep it juicy.

Don’t rush the sauce—melting the cheeses too quickly over high heat can cause separation. Keep the flame on low and stir constantly for a smooth, cohesive texture. Also, resist the urge to rinse your pasta. The starch on the noodles helps the sauce cling beautifully.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This recipe feeds about four people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it hot, ideally fresh off the stove, to experience the full effect of the melty cheese and velvety sauce.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through to prevent hot spots.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

The crisp, buttery edges of garlic bread make a perfect companion to mop up the extra sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A lightly dressed salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred edges and earthy flavor of roasted broccoli pair well with creamy, spicy dishes.

Sautéed Spinach

Quick-cooked spinach with garlic and a hint of lemon brightens the plate and adds color.

Grilled Asparagus

Tender yet crisp, grilled asparagus brings texture and a slightly smoky flavor to the meal.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, juicy corn balances the spice and adds a summery touch.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until golden, these little cabbages offer nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.

Cheddar Biscuits

Fluffy, cheesy biscuits are always welcome with any creamy pasta dish.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into bold flavors and comfort dishes like this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, then you’re going to love diving into these satisfying pasta creations:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a velvety twist on garlic and cheese.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta when you want hearty, herby satisfaction.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re after something love-at-first-bite.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach to shake things up with seafood flair.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for cozy flavor-packed convenience.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicier with the Cajun? Or maybe sneak in some veggies? I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella is one of those meals that makes weeknights feel like a treat. Rich, spicy, and cheesy with just the right touch of indulgence, it’s bound to be a favorite in your rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta promises flavor, comfort, and a reason to keep coming back to the table.

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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella


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  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella is a bold, spicy, and comforting dinner idea. This creamy chicken pasta recipe features Cajun-spiced chicken, rich cream sauce, Parmesan, garlic, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for weeknights.


Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)


Instructions

1. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and rest before slicing.

2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, lower heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cream and deglaze the pan. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth.

4. Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce. Toss everything to coat. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

Always rest the chicken before slicing to retain its juices.

Avoid overheating the cream sauce to prevent curdling.

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor boost.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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