Introduction

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, spicy sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a bit of heat balanced by creamy goodness and cheesy depth. It’s quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta featuring three visible layers: the bottom layer is white penne pasta coated in a smooth, light beige cream sauce with a glossy texture; the middle layer consists of golden-brown seared chicken chunks scattered unevenly on top with a slightly crispy appearance and seasoned with black pepper; small pieces of fresh green herb leaves are sprinkled lightly across the dish, adding a subtle contrast; the pasta and chicken sit inside a plain white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus extra as needed
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for the pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove and set aside to rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining to use later, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Incorporate the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together to combine evenly.
Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Include sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a delicious seafood version.

Storage

Store leftover creamy Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream sauce.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy pasta in a white bowl, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow penne pasta coated in a smooth, rich, light cream sauce; the top layer features golden-brown grilled chicken chunks scattered unevenly, sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green herbs and a light dusting of black pepper, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, fettuccine, and spaghetti all work well, but feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

How spicy is this dish?

The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a moderate level of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less seasoning or by including red pepper flakes for extra kick.