Introduction

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavor-packed dinner that’s perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with Cajun spices and tossed with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that has just the right amount of heat. This dish combines smoky, spicy, and savory flavors for a comforting yet exciting meal.

A bowl filled with creamy pasta made of penne noodles coated in a light beige creamy sauce with small pieces of grilled chicken scattered evenly throughout. The dish is topped with small green herb bits and thin, pale yellow shavings of parmesan cheese placed at the center. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled textured surface, next to a small bowl of grated cheese and a glass of golden liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus 1 tablespoon for the sauce)
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for the pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest.
Step 2: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp, cooking them quickly in the skillet before making the sauce.
Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving for a bright, balancing acidity.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl of pasta with creamy sauce on top. The bowl is white and filled with short tube-shaped pasta, covered in a smooth, beige-colored creamy sauce with visible small green herb pieces scattered evenly. On top, there are browned small pieces of chicken or mushrooms adding a slightly darker color and a textured look. The dish appears warm and rich, placed on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the creaminess of the sauce and the details of each pasta piece. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne and fettuccine work best for creamy sauces, but spaghetti, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer will also be delicious in this dish.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also balance the heat by adding more cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to mellow the flavors.