Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a seriously satisfying dinner that packs bold flavor with velvety comfort, you have to try Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish delivers everything you crave in one bowl: pan-seared Cajun-spiced chicken, colorful sautéed peppers, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce spiked with just the right amount of heat. It’s a weeknight hero that feels special enough for company but comes together in about 35 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta lies in its simple, approachable ingredients—each one playing its part to create a well-balanced, restaurant-worthy meal. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, they get wonderfully juicy and grab onto all those bold Cajun flavors.
- Cajun seasoning: This is the flavor powerhouse, giving the dish its signature smoky, spicy, and savory punch.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a gorgeous golden finish and helping release the Cajun aromas in the skillet.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Sturdy enough to hold the creamy sauce, while providing that crave-worthy, tender bite.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps coax out the sweet, fragrant notes in the garlic and peppers.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for big flavor that permeates the entire sauce without overpowering.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: For a pop of color, sweetness, and juicy crunch that brightens up every forkful.
- Chicken broth: Lends savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling overly heavy.
- Heavy cream: Essential for that smooth, dreamy texture that coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and thickens up the sauce just enough—use freshly grated if you can.
- Salt and pepper: For finishing and fine-tuning the flavors right at the end.
- Chopped parsley: The fresh, herbal garnish brings balance and a pop of green to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—just the right amount of bite. Make sure to salt your water well for maximum flavor. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. This will give you a few minutes to focus on the rest of the dish while the pasta waits patiently, ready to soak up that creamy Cajun sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While your pasta is bubbling away, toss the chicken breast strips with Cajun seasoning until every piece is fully coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Let it sizzle undisturbed so you get a nice golden crust—about 5–6 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through and a little crispy at the edges, transfer to a plate and set aside. The browned bits in the pan are flavor gold!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, drop in the butter and swirl it around until melted and bubbly. Add your minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—careful, it burns fast! Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes, just until they’re slightly softened but still vibrant. They’ll give the finished Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta its sweet zip and color.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook, stirring often, until it thickens just a bit—about 3–4 minutes. At this point, the kitchen will smell positively irresistible!
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked pasta and Cajun chicken to the skillet. Using tongs or a big spoon, toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken in that rich, creamy sauce. Taste and season with a little salt and pepper if needed. Let everything warm through for another minute so the flavors mesh beautifully. Now your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready to hit the table!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the sauce. To take things up a notch, shave a little extra Parmesan over the top, or add a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning for guests who love the heat. Even a dash of fresh cracked black pepper looks and tastes amazing against the creamy backdrop.
Side Dishes
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette. For something more indulgent, serve with warm, crusty bread—perfect for sopping up any extra sauce! Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus rounds out the meal and adds a fresh veggie crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try twirling a mound of pasta into each bowl and topping individually with chicken strips, colorful peppers, and a drizzle of sauce. Serve in rustic pasta bowls or even family-style on a big platter for that wow effect. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for an extra punch of color and flavor at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta stores surprisingly well! Just transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 or even 4 days, and the flavors deepen a little overnight. This makes it a great option for meal-prep lunches or a fast, comforting dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can also freeze this pasta, though the sauce may separate a bit on reheating. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Consider undercooking the pasta slightly if you know you’ll be freezing, so it doesn’t go mushy when reheated.
Reheating
To bring back the creamy magic, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks too thick. The microwave works fine as well—just use a lower power setting and stir regularly to keep the sauce smooth. Sprinkle in a bit of fresh Parmesan or parsley after reheating to revive the brightness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Fettuccine and penne are classic, but Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is delicious with any shape you love—try rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti for a fun twist.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder pasta, use a lighter hand with the Cajun seasoning and skip any added cayenne pepper. You can also offer hot sauce at the table so spice lovers can customize their own bowls!
Can I substitute shrimp for chicken?
Yes, shrimp is a fantastic swap! Simply season the shrimp with Cajun spice and sauté until just pink and opaque, then follow the recipe as written. It turns Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta into a seafood feast.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. A splash of evaporated milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also work in a pinch, but keep a watchful eye so the sauce doesn’t curdle.
How can I add extra vegetables?
Don’t hesitate to toss in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add extra nutrition, color, and make the dish even more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
So why not spice up your dinner routine with this comforting, flavor-packed Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta? It’s the kind of crave-worthy meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter the occasion. Grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love—your family and taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish with tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and a rich cream sauce infused with Cajun spices, served over fettuccine or penne pasta.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, bell peppers, and chicken broth. Add cream and Parmesan, cook until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add pasta and chicken back to skillet, toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning to the sauce.
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
