Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta is my ultimate weeknight lifesaver. The moment I whip this up, the whole family gathers around, hungry for that spicy, creamy goodness. I first tossed it together on a hectic evening when everyone was craving bold flavor and comfort, and it was instant love.

Tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese and Parmesan, spiced just right with Cajun seasoning and a dash of cayenne, clings to every bite of perfectly cooked penne pasta.

What really makes this recipe a winner is how the smoky heat from the seasoning blends with the creamy sauce to create a dish that’s both cozy and exciting. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish! Your family will be asking for this one again and again, it’s become a staple in our rotation for good reason.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta

Listen, I don’t blame you if you start making this every week, I sure did! Here’s why this Cajun Chicken Pasta will become your new obsession:

• Weeknight superhero: Done in 25 minutes flat, even faster than takeout (and way tastier).
• Creamy dreaminess: That sauce? Thick, velvety, and clings to every noodle like it was made for it (because it was).
• Flavor bomb: Smoky paprika, punchy garlic, and just enough cayenne to make things interesting, adjust the heat to your mood!
• Kid-approved magic: My picky eater devours this (I just go light on the cayenne for her bowl).
• Leftover gold: Tastes even better the next day, if it lasts that long!

Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. This is the kind of dish that makes people ask, “When can you make this again?”

Cajun Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients; you probably have most in your kitchen already! Precision matters here for that perfect balance of creamy and spicy:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta, those ridges catch all the saucy goodness)
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed into bite-sized pieces (thighs stay juicier, just saying!)
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (my homemade blend beats store-bought, recipe coming soon!)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (scale up if you like it spicy, skip it for mild)
• 1 cup diced white onion, about 1 medium onion, nice small dice so it melts into the sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (that pop of color makes it pretty!)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (yes, 4, we’re not vampires here)
• 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil (the butter’s for flavor, oil keeps it from burning)
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold from the fridge works best
• 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan (please, not the green can, it makes the sauce grainy)
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temp (this is our secret weapon for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium so you control the salt)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp each dried basil and paprika (trust me, they round out the flavors)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No stress if you need to swap things! My test kitchen approved these:

• Protein swap: Shrimp (add last 3 minutes) or andouille sausage (brown first) work great
• Dairy options: Half-and-half instead of heavy cream (sauce will be thinner) or mascarpone for cream cheese
• Gluten-free: Your favorite GF pasta holds up well here
• Parmesan note: Pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that make sauce slightly grainy, fresh is worth the effort!
• Too spicy? Omit cayenne and use mild Cajun seasoning

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this comes together faster than you’d think. Just follow these simple steps, and don’t skip the taste tests along the way (my favorite part!).

Cooking the Chicken & Vegetables

First things first, get that pasta boiling in well-salted water (it should taste like the sea!). While that cooks, let’s start the magic in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

1. Melt the butter with olive oil; this prevents the butter from burning while adding richness.
2. Add onions and bell peppers, stirring occasionally until they soften (about 3 minutes). That sizzle sound? Pure music.
3. Toss in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, basil, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant; this “blooms” the spices for maximum flavor.
4. Add the cubed chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Let it get a nice sear for 2 minutes before stirring. Cook until no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes total), or until a thermometer reads 165°F.

Making the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Now for the good stuff! Lower the heat to medium-low, we don’t want the dairy to break.

1. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the pan.
2. Add the cream cheese in small chunks, stirring constantly until completely melted (about 2 minutes). No lumps allowed!
3. Slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan while stirring; this prevents clumping. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).
4. Taste and adjust seasoning, sometimes I add an extra pinch of Cajun spice here!

Combining Pasta & Serving

Your pasta should be al dente by now (check it a minute early, better too firm than too soft!).

1. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.
2. Add the pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to coat every inch. If the sauce seems thick, splash in some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
3. Let everything mingle over low heat for 2 final minutes; this helps the flavors marry.
4. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Watch everyone’s eyes light up at first bite!

Pro tip: Let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving; the sauce thickens perfectly as it rests.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta

After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my foolproof secrets for Cajun Chicken Pasta perfection:

• Toast those spices: When you add the Cajun seasoning to the onions, let it heat for 30 seconds before adding liquid. It wakes up all those smoky, earthy flavors!
• Pasta water is liquid gold: Always reserve at least ½ cup before draining. That starchy water helps adjust sauce thickness and makes it cling better to noodles.
• Spice wisely: Start with less cayenne; you can always add more at the end. My family likes it at ¼ tsp, but sometimes I sneak in an extra pinch for my bowl!
• Room temp cream cheese is key: Cold cream cheese will make your sauce lumpy. If you forgot to take it out early, microwave it for 10-second bursts until spreadable.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer until it coats your spoon thickly, patience makes that velvety texture we love!

Serving Suggestions for Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a showstopper all on its own, but here’s how I love to round out the meal:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette: Absolute must for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce! I like to toast mine with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley.
• Simple green salad: A crisp mix of romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Roasted veggies: Toss some zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus with olive oil and Cajun seasoning; they’ll complement the flavors beautifully.
• Ice-cold beer or lemonade: For adults, a hoppy IPA balances the spice. For kids (or me on hot days), homemade lemonade with extra ice is heavenly.

Pro tip: Set out extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it!

Storing & Reheating Cajun Chicken Pasta

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight. Just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating on the stove to bring back that creamy texture.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months (thaw in the fridge first). A quick stir over medium heat with extra broth or cream makes it taste freshly made!

Nutritional Information for Cajun Chicken Pasta

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on your ingredient brands and portion sizes. For accuracy, use a nutrition calculator tailored to your specific ingredients.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	683 kcal	—
Total Fat	41 g	52%
Saturated Fat	20 g	100%
Cholesterol	188 mg	63%
Sodium	272 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrates	47 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	3 g	10%
Sugars	3 g	—
Protein	37 g	—

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet and may vary depending on individual needs.

This rich, creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken, spiced Cajun seasoning, and a velvety Parmesan-cream sauce, making it as nourishing as it is comforting. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner packed with protein and balanced carbs.

(Keep portions in mind if you’re watching calories, and enjoy every indulgent bite!)

Cajun Chicken Pasta FAQs

Creamy & Spicy Chicken Pasta Dishes to Try Next

If this Cajun Chicken Pasta hit the spot, here are more creamy, flavorful, and satisfying pasta recipes that bring comfort and spice to your table.

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Baked with layers of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and golden cheese.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Juicy chicken in a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s simply irresistible.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Garlicky, buttery pasta with Cajun flair and a hint of spice.
• Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta: A zesty twist on creamy pasta with bold, tangy Southwestern flavor.

Keep these creamy and flavorful pasta recipes on hand for your next cozy, satisfying dinner!

Did you make this Cajun Chicken Pasta?

This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect mix of creamy comfort and spicy excitement, all in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken dusted with bold Cajun seasoning meets a luscious sauce made from cream cheese and Parmesan, coating al dente penne pasta in every bite.

It’s fast, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. The smoky, slightly spicy sauce paired with crisp vegetables makes every mouthful unforgettable.

Try this recipe today, leave a comment to share your experience, and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy, delicious meals!

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