What the heck is this?
Picture this: tender chicken pieces seared with smoky Cajun spices, tossed with pasta in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s got just the right amount of heat. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors — like a little taste of New Orleans right in your kitchen. This dish feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off on any weeknight. Plus, the creamy sauce means it’s totally soul-soothing while packing a flavorful punch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s loaded with protein and veggies, all in one pot for easy cleanup.
That creamy Cajun sauce is addictive — spicy but balanced with a smooth finish.
Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner.
Super flexible — swap chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies.
Leftovers reheat beautifully (if they last that long).
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt + pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken strips until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in that creamy, spicy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice if you want more heat.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate it up, sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced green onions, and dig in!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements this dish nicely.
Switch It Up
Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different protein vibe. Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook pasta and chicken ahead, then reheat with sauce on the stove before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days; reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yep! Just toss it in at the end to warm through.
Q: How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
A: It varies — mild to medium heat. Adjust by adding more or less.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
Q: What pasta shape works best?
A: Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are all great for holding that sauce.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Your New Go-To Comfort Food with a Kick
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Picture this: tender chicken pieces seared with smoky Cajun spices, tossed with pasta in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s got just the right amount of heat. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with bold flavors — like a little taste of New Orleans right in your kitchen. This dish feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off on any weeknight. Plus, the creamy sauce means it’s totally soul-soothing while packing a flavorful punch.
Ingredients
12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt + pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken strips until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in that creamy, spicy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice if you want more heat.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate it up, sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced green onions, and dig in!
Notes
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements this dish nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Protein: ~40g