Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

There’s something irresistible about the contrast of spicy Cajun seasoning with the smooth, rich touch of honey butter. Add tender chicken and pasta into the mix and you get a weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence. This dish brings bold Southern-inspired flavors to your table in under an hour, perfect for satisfying cravings or impressing guests without the fuss.
Each bite of this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is a symphony of flavor. The heat from the Cajun spices is perfectly mellowed by the honey butter glaze, while the pasta soaks up all those delicious juices. It’s hearty, creamy, and just spicy enough to keep things exciting. If you’ve been looking to spice up your chicken pasta game, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
This dish brings you the best of both worlds: rich comfort and a fiery kick. It’s versatile, easy to make, and hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, and savory. You can serve it up for date night or meal prep it for the week. Plus, it uses pantry staples so you probably already have what you need.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Cajun Chicken?
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Penne is a classic choice because its tube shape captures the creamy sauce, but you can also use rotini, bowties, or even fettuccine. Just make sure the pasta has enough body to hold up to the bold flavors of the Cajun-spiced chicken and buttery sauce. Whole wheat or gluten-free varieties also work well if you’re tailoring to dietary needs.
Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
This flavorful recipe brings together simple ingredients that come alive with a good spice blend and a bit of honeyed magic. Each one plays a key role in layering the sweet heat and creamy richness that makes this dish so addictive.
- Chicken breast
- Cajun seasoning
- Salted butter
- Honey
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)


How To Make the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Generously coat the chicken breast in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.
Step 2: Create the Honey Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the salted butter and stir in minced garlic until fragrant. Add the honey and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. This sweet base brings balance to the spice and coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and rich. Add more Cajun seasoning if you want an extra kick.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water to help bind the sauce later.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help everything come together. Add in the sliced chicken and coat it in that golden sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate your pasta and top with sliced Cajun honey butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like a little extra flair.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Avoiding a few common missteps will help make this dish shine. First, don’t under-season your chicken—the Cajun spice should coat it generously. Second, make sure not to overcook the chicken or pasta, which can dry it out or turn it mushy. Another mistake is letting the honey butter sauce boil too long; it should simmer gently to keep it velvety. Lastly, don’t skip the pasta water when mixing; it helps bring the sauce and pasta together into one creamy, cohesive bite.
How to Serve and Store This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for families or guests. Serve it hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe an extra drizzle of honey butter if you’re feeling indulgent. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.
What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta?
Garlic Bread with Cheese
This gooey, golden bread is a natural match. It sops up the extra sauce and adds a touch of crunch.
Simple Green Salad
A light and fresh side with a zesty vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
Southern Fried Okra
Bring more Southern charm to your plate with this crispy and flavorful favorite.
Roasted Vegetables
Think bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts, roasted until tender and caramelized.
Cornbread Muffins
The sweetness of cornbread muffins complements the spicy, savory main dish.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
A healthy, garlicky green adds depth and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
Creamy Coleslaw
Crunchy, cool, and slightly tangy, this side dish cools the heat and adds great texture.
Cajun Deviled Eggs
If you’re going all-in on the Cajun theme, these spicy little bites are a great starter.
Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?
If you enjoyed this spicy, creamy pasta, you’ll want to explore some more crowd-pleasing favorites:
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a dish that’s romantic and rich.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you love buttery garlic flavors.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a herby, hearty twist.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini with luscious Parmesan sauce.
• One Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta that combines comfort food vibes in one pan.
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 up the Cajun spice or go heavy on the honey? Did you toss in some extra veggies or keep it classic?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. It delivers bold flavors, creamy indulgence, and enough flexibility to make it your own. Whether it’s your first time cooking Cajun or you’re a seasoned spice lover, this dish promises to satisfy with every bite.
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Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Description
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is a creamy, bold, and flavor-packed recipe featuring tender chicken coated in Cajun seasoning and honey butter sauce, served with pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a spicy comfort food favorite that combines sweet heat with creamy richness. Includes garlic butter, Parmesan, and easy prep steps.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons salted butter
3 tablespoons honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne pasta
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter, add minced garlic, and stir until fragrant.
4. Stir in the honey and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.
6. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
8. Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce, adding reserved water if needed.
9. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan, mixing to coat with sauce.
10. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting.
Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it once it reaches 165°F.
Add red pepper flakes if you want even more heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg