Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 10 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine); 1 whole garlic bulb; 1 cup feta cheese; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked, drained); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

When comfort food and bold flavors come together, something magical happens. This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is the perfect example. It’s a dish that delivers richness, heat, and crunch in every bite. The Cajun-seasoned chicken is tender and juicy, resting on a bed of creamy pasta infused with roasted garlic whipped feta. Just when you think it can’t get better, crispy chickpeas add an irresistible crunch that ties it all together.

This isn’t your average weeknight pasta. It’s indulgent yet surprisingly easy to pull off. The contrast of spicy chicken, tangy feta, and that crispy golden chickpea finish makes it a recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want to impress—or simply treat yourself to something extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The creamy base soothes the palate while the Cajun spices bring the heat. Whipped feta infused with roasted garlic gives it a sharp, tangy edge that’s deeply satisfying. And the crispy chickpeas? They add that addictive crunch that turns every bite into a moment.

It’s great for weeknights when you want to elevate dinner without turning the kitchen into a mess. Everything cooks within 30-40 minutes, and it feeds a crowd. Even better, you can tweak the spice level or swap out proteins as needed.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

You can use any store-bought Cajun seasoning blend, but it’s important to taste it before you coat the chicken. Some blends are saltier than others or lean more toward smoky or herby notes. If you want more control over the flavor, consider making your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt.

For extra depth, you can toast your spices briefly before seasoning the chicken—this opens up their aroma and really brings out their kick.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

This recipe is all about layers of flavor. From the Cajun spice rub to the roasted garlic and tangy feta, each ingredient has a purpose. The pasta provides the perfect base, while the chickpeas add a golden crunch that surprises in the best way.

Chicken breast
Cajun seasoning
Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Garlic bulb
Feta cheese
Greek yogurt or cream cheese
Olive oil
Chickpeas (canned or cooked)
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Heavy cream or milk
Parmesan cheese

Each element brings balance: the chicken breast gives protein and heartiness, Cajun seasoning builds the spice foundation, pasta acts as a creamy carrier, and the roasted garlic-feta blend creates a smooth, tangy sauce. Crispy chickpeas finish it off with crunch and a toasty bite.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas 2

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Slice the top off a bulb of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes. This mellows the garlic into a sweet, spreadable base for the whipped feta.

Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas

While the garlic roasts, pat the chickpeas dry and toss them with olive oil, salt, and paprika. Roast them in a single layer on a baking sheet until golden and crispy—usually 25-30 minutes at 400°F.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Sear in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden on both sides and cooked through. Slice thinly and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta

In a food processor, blend roasted garlic cloves, feta cheese, Greek yogurt or cream cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of milk or cream until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Pasta

In the skillet, combine the cooked pasta with whipped feta, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss in sliced Cajun chicken and mix gently.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the pasta with crispy chickpeas and freshly grated Parmesan. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, spicy, crunchy layers in every forkful.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

While this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few easy-to-avoid missteps can affect the final result. One common error is overseasoning the chicken. Cajun seasoning varies in salt content, so taste before you go heavy-handed. Another mistake is skipping the drying step for chickpeas. If they’re wet, they’ll steam instead of crisp.

When whipping the feta, blend until smooth but don’t overdo it—too much processing can turn it runny. And finally, don’t forget to reserve some pasta water. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles and adds a touch of starchy silkiness to the finish.

How to Serve and Store this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. It’s best enjoyed right after cooking, when the chickpeas are still hot and crispy. Serve it family-style or plated individually with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

To store, keep the pasta and chickpeas separate if possible. The pasta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. The chickpeas can be stored at room temperature in a paper towel-lined container to retain crispiness.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread with Herbs

Perfect for soaking up the extra whipped feta sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery contrast that lightens the creamy pasta.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Adds earthiness and balances the richness.

Lemon Butter Asparagus

Bright and zesty, a fresh touch on the side.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Crunchy and cool to mellow the Cajun spice.

Sweet Corn on the Cob

Naturally sweet and buttery, it pairs beautifully.

Sparkling Citrus Water

Keeps the palate refreshed and the spice in check.

Crusty Artisan Bread

For those who prefer hearty, rustic dipping options.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, you’re in for a treat with these other bold and flavor-packed options:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for an Italian twist.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts that bring comfort to every bite.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re looking for an easy, beefy alternative.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce when you want a silky cheese-forward pasta.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s made for second helpings.

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 extra on the Cajun spice? Maybe swapped the feta for goat cheese? I’d love to hear what twists you gave it.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun chicken pasta with whipped roasted garlic feta and crispy chickpeas is one of those recipes that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home. It blends spice, creaminess, and crunch in a way that makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.