Get ready to wow your taste buds and your dinner guests with Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a dish that delivers bold Louisiana flavor in under 30 minutes. This pasta brings together succulent Cajun-seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and a silky cream sauce, all enveloped in al dente pasta—making every bite a cozy, spicy, and utterly satisfying experience. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress at your next get-together, this recipe is as simple to pull together as it is irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta comes down to a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, from rich flavors and creamy textures to pops of color and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll want each element in your skillet.
- Chicken Breasts: Sliced into strips for quick cooking, these are the juicy backbone of the dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show, bringing spicy warmth and deep, crave-worthy flavor—adjust to your heat preference!
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken, locking in flavor and adding a subtle Mediterranean touch.
- Fettuccine or Penne Pasta: Use your favorite shape, but both catch the creamy sauce beautifully for perfect bites.
- Butter: Adds richness that smooths out the spices and gives the sauce extra gloss.
- Garlic: Provides irresistible aroma and savory undertones—the foundation of flavor in every sauté.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy, binding all those bold flavors together.
- Chicken Broth: Balances richness with a savory note and helps loosen the sauce so it’s just the right consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Lends nuttiness and a touch of salty delight that melts right in.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Pop with sweet-tart juiciness, providing color and freshness.
- Bell Peppers: For crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the Cajun heat.
- Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, it’s the perfect final flourish for flavor and presentation.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to dial in the perfect balance for your palate.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your fettuccine or penne pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, saving just a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. This step lays the foundation for all the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, toss your chicken strips with half of the Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece gets good coverage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken strips and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re browned, fragrant, and cooked through. Once done, set them aside—those golden edges mean maximum flavor.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
With your chicken out of the skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter right into the pan drippings. Add the garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant, about a minute. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, the rest of the Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything becomes silky smooth.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, allowing them to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes in the bubbling sauce. They’ll soften just enough to release their fresh sweetness without losing their shape and vibrant color.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Return your cooked chicken strips to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Gently toss everything so each strand or tube gets delightfully coated in the creamy, spiced-up sauce. Taste and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to suit your personal preference—it’s all about building the flavor balance you love.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your creation with a generous shower of chopped parsley over the top before serving. This burst of fresh green color not only looks gorgeous but also brightens up every bite. Serve your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta warm and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also add extra Parmesan, a few grinds of black pepper, or even thinly sliced green onions. For a little more heat, some red pepper flakes are a spicy and colorful upgrade. Each garnish gives your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta a finished look and an extra layer of flavor that everyone will notice.
Side Dishes
Pair this vibrant pasta with warm garlic bread for mopping up any leftover sauce, or opt for a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal fresh and not too heavy. A chilled glass of white wine—like Sauvignon Blanc—complements the rich, spicy flavors perfectly without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Go restaurant-style by twirling the pasta into high nests, then topping with slices of chicken and a fine dusting of Parmesan. For family serving, use a big platter so everyone can help themselves, or fill individual bowls and tuck in colorful lemon wedges for a touch of brightness. Switch up your serving vessels—mini cast iron pans or large pasta plates make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta feel extra special at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let the Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more overnight!
Freezing
While creamy sauces sometimes get a bit grainy after freezing, you can certainly stash portions of this dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—just keep in mind that the sauce may need a splash of cream or broth when you warm it up to regain its silkiness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. If you’re using the microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are fan favorites for holding onto that luscious sauce, any pasta shape you love will work well in this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Try rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just go with what you have on hand!
Is there a dairy-free way to make this creamy Cajun pasta?
You can make this dish dairy-free by using coconut cream or a plant-based alternative instead of heavy cream, and opt for your favorite vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to add cheesy flavor. The result is still rich and satisfying, just a bit lighter!
How spicy is this dish—and how can I adjust the heat?
The spice level of Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is totally customizable. Use more Cajun seasoning for extra kick or dial it back (or even use a mild blend) if you prefer things less spicy. For maximum heat, add a pinch of cayenne or serve with hot sauce.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or even zucchini along with the bell peppers and tomatoes. Additional veggies add more color, texture, and nutrition without affecting the overall creamy, savory personality of the dish.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist?
For juicy, tender chicken, avoid overcooking—just sauté in hot oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside while you build the sauce. Also, slicing the chicken into even strips helps ensure they cook evenly and stay delightfully moist in your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and as comforting as a big hug, there’s no better dish to whip up than Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Fast, flavorful, and full of personality, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears—happy cooking!
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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken strips seasoned with Cajun spices are combined with a luscious cream sauce, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, all tossed with fettuccine or penne pasta. This one-skillet meal is quick to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Season chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, broth, remaining Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Combine ingredients: Add tomatoes, bell peppers, cooked chicken, and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
- Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Enhance with spinach or mushrooms for added vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
