Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, smoky spices, and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s comforting, spicy, and irresistibly creamy—one of those dinners I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent and satisfying but is still easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings together the heat of Cajun seasoning with the smoothness of a cream-based sauce, creating a perfect balance in every bite. The chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, and the pasta soaks up all the flavor beautifully. It’s a one-pan comfort dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Directions
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I start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside.
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I season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil or butter until golden and fully cooked. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
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In the same pan, I sauté the onions and bell peppers until they’re tender, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
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I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then I stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly.
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I return the chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked pasta, stirring until everything is well coated and heated through.
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I taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 25–30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining.
Variations
I sometimes add mushrooms or spinach to the sautéed veggies for more depth. If I want extra heat, I increase the Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky twist, I’ve used smoked sausage or shrimp instead of chicken. And when I’m feeling indulgent, I add a splash of white wine or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce for even more richness.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce over time, but it’s still flavorful and delicious the next day.
FAQs
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, I use a milder Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. I’ve also made it without red pepper flakes for a more kid-friendly version.
What pasta works best?
I usually go with penne, fettuccine, or linguine. They all hold the sauce nicely and give a satisfying bite.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
I’ve used whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, I stick with heavy cream for richness and body.
Can I make this ahead?
I cook the components ahead and store them separately. When ready to serve, I reheat everything and combine just before serving to keep the pasta from overcooking.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, I’ve made it with coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan, and it still turns out creamy and flavorful, with a slight tropical note.
Conclusion
Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. I love how easy it is to prepare, how flavorful it is from the Cajun spices, and how satisfying it feels with every creamy, spicy bite. It’s a dish that never fails to impress—whether I’m making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it to guests.
Print
Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired / American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and spicy comfort food favorite made with juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Tossed with pasta and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and flavorful dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- For the Sauce & Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté bell peppers and onion for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Let it thicken slightly (2–3 minutes).
- Combine: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Substitute shrimp or smoked sausage for the chicken if preferred.
- For extra indulgence, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of white wine.
- To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
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