Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with vibrant vegetables and a silky Parmesan Cajun cream sauce. Served over perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings the heat and richness of Cajun cuisine to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate spicy comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is the perfect fusion of creamy indulgence and spicy excitement. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky kick, while the creamy Parmesan sauce balances it with richness and depth. With bell pepper and onion adding texture and color, this recipe is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a one-pan meal ideal for weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
directions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. - Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for additional heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, sausage, or tofu in place of chicken.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use reduced-fat Parmesan.
- Cheesy Twist: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for an even creamier texture.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. You may also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it reheats well with care.
FAQs
What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?
Any store-bought Cajun seasoning blend works well. Choose one that suits your spice preference, or make your own for a custom flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply slice and warm the chicken in the sauce during the final steps. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
What pasta works best?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal for holding the sauce, but linguine, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta are great alternatives.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat with a splash of cream before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Allow the sauce to simmer slightly longer, or add a bit more Parmesan to increase thickness.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based sauces, as they may separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or store in the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with vibrant vegetables and a silky Parmesan Cajun cream sauce. Served over perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings the heat and richness of Cajun cuisine to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate spicy comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is the perfect fusion of creamy indulgence and spicy excitement. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky kick, while the creamy Parmesan sauce balances it with richness and depth. With bell pepper and onion adding texture and color, this recipe is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s a one-pan meal ideal for weeknights, yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta:
-
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
For the Sauce:
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 lb chicken breast, sliced
-
1 onion, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
-
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
directions
-
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. -
Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine the Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for additional heat.
-
Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
-
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, sausage, or tofu in place of chicken.
-
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use reduced-fat Parmesan.
-
Cheesy Twist: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for an even creamier texture.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. You may also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it reheats well with care.
FAQs
What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?
Any store-bought Cajun seasoning blend works well. Choose one that suits your spice preference, or make your own for a custom flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply slice and warm the chicken in the sauce during the final steps. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
What pasta works best?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal for holding the sauce, but linguine, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta are great alternatives.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat with a splash of cream before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Allow the sauce to simmer slightly longer, or add a bit more Parmesan to increase thickness.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based sauces, as they may separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or store in the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
Ingredients
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful fusion of spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner that brings bold Southern flavor to your table! #creamycajunpasta #cajunchickenpasta #spicycomfortfood
Instructions
For the Pasta:
-
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
For the Sauce:
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 lb chicken breast, sliced
-
1 onion, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
-
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions :
-
Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook Veggies: In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
-
Create Sauce: Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until the sauce thickens. Season to taste.
-
Combine: Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss until well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
-
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
-
For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
-
Try swapping chicken with shrimp or sausage for a Cajun twist.
-
Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
