If you love crave-worthy comfort food that packs a punch, Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta will absolutely win you over. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a silky, boldly seasoned sauce that hugs each strand of pasta. The secret is in the Cajun seasoning: it brings smoky, spicy depth that balances perfectly with rich cream and tangy Parmesan. You’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table in 30 minutes, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and fun dinner parties! Trust me, your tastebuds (and your family!) won’t be able to stop asking for seconds of this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta comes together with a handful of staples you might already have on hand. Every ingredient here plays a special role, adding loads of flavor, creaminess, or that signature Cajun kick.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, juicy chicken soaks up all the Cajun flavor and gives the dish a hearty protein boost.
- Cajun seasoning: The star of the show—this blend offers smoky heat and layers of spice that define the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken to perfection while bringing out natural flavors in the veggies.
- Red bell pepper: Adds pops of sweetness and vibrant red color for a beautiful plate.
- Yellow bell pepper: Balances out the flavors and brings extra sunshine to every bite.
- Garlic: That irresistible aroma and depth you only get from fresh garlic, sautéed just right.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Perfect for holding onto that luscious sauce—choose your favorite shape.
- Heavy cream: The secret to ultra-rich and velvety sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory backbone without overpowering the spices.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, tangy finish everyone will love.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle, final layer of warmth and a little extra zip to the cream sauce.
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley adds color and a pop of herbal brightness just before serving.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta of choice—fettuccine or penne are both fantastic here—until al dente. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it can help loosen the sauce later if you need it. Set the cooked pasta aside while you whip up the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Generously pat your chicken pieces with a full tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, coating every side. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes; you’re looking for those beautiful golden edges and for the chicken to be fully cooked through. Scoop them out and set aside—you’ll want those caramelized bits left in the pan for the next step!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet (no need to wipe out that flavor!), toss in your sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes, just until they start to soften and look glossy. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds; you want the garlic fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan, remaining Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Let the sauce bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes—just enough for it to slightly thicken and become silky smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now, add your cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet. Toss until every noodle and bite of chicken is coated in that irresistible creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, a splash of reserved pasta water does the trick. Cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting everything get nice and hot.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once everything is looking saucy and glossy, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for fresh color and a little herbal lift. Your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is officially ready for its grand debut!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A finishing touch brings the whole dish together. Fresh chopped parsley is classic, adding a burst of green and a subtle lift. If you’re craving extra heat, a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning, a few red chili flakes, or sliced jalapeños scattered over the top will spark things up. Shaved Parmesan never hurts for that extra cheesy allure.
Side Dishes
You can keep things simple with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette—perfect for mopping up every bit of the creamy sauce! A crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette offers cool contrast to the dish’s warmth and richness. Roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus or broccoli round out the meal with a bit more green goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in a big, wide bowl family-style, or turn it into a fun pasta night by twirling individual nests of fettuccine onto each plate with tongs. For a party, scoop it into ramekins for personal pasta bakes or top with more cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, transfer any leftover Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors marry even more overnight, making the leftovers wildly tasty!
Freezing
You can freeze Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, though the cream sauce may change slightly in texture after thawing. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce and gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. The microwave works too—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, linguine, or even spaghetti all work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook your pasta until al dente so it holds up in the creamy Cajun sauce.
How spicy is Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
The dish is mildly spicy as written, but you have full control. Use more Cajun seasoning for extra heat, or add cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to when you want it spicier. If you prefer less spice, start with a bit less seasoning and adjust as you go.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative (like coconut cream or oat cream) and use a non-dairy Parmesan substitute. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still have a fabulous, creamy Cajun pasta!
Is it possible to add vegetables or shrimp?
Definitely! Shrimp is a perfect stand-in for chicken if you’re craving seafood, and extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are delicious additions to boost the nutrition and flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser, and it scales up very well. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven, and keep an eye on the sauce so it doesn’t get too thick. Perfect for parties or meal prepping!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those rare dishes that’s both effortless and unforgettable. Bold flavors, a silky sauce, and pops of color come together faster than you’d ever imagine. Grab your skillet and give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish with a spicy kick. Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and fettuccine pasta are smothered in a creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce, creating a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Chicken:
Vegetables:
Pasta and Sauce:
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers for 3 minutes until slightly softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Add chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños.
- You can substitute shrimp for chicken for a Cajun seafood pasta variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
