There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta—but when you add perfectly seasoned chicken, a touch of Cajun heat, and a luxuriously creamy sauce? Now we’re talking next-level comfort food. The first time I made this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, it was one of those “what do I have in the fridge?” kind of nights. A couple of chicken breasts, half a carton of cream, and some Cajun seasoning led to a dish so satisfying, I ended up making it again the next day… on purpose.
Table of Contents
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Easy 30-Minute Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for pasta
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken strips with 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté bell pepper for 3 minutes. Add garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until sauce is smooth. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken and cooked pasta to the pan. Toss until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of creamy Cajun chicken pasta lies in its simplicity—you don’t need anything fancy, just a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create rich, layered flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you get started:
🍗 For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Sliced thin for quick, even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – Use store-bought or homemade; adjust heat to your preference.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing the chicken and locking in flavor.
- Salt & black pepper – To round out the Cajun spice and balance the dish.
🍝 For the Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta – Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite. Al dente is key so it holds up in the creamy Cajun chicken pasta sauce.
- Salted water – For boiling pasta; season generously for maximum flavor.
🧄 For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps form the base of the creamy Cajun chicken pasta sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fragrant and foundational.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The heart of that silky sauce. For a lighter version, you can sub with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk.
- ½ cup chicken broth – Adds depth and thins the sauce slightly.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Helps thicken the sauce while adding salty, umami goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (additional) – Reinforces the bold flavor throughout.
🌿 Optional Add-Ins
- Crushed red pepper flakes – If you like it hot, sprinkle more on at the end.
- Sliced bell peppers or mushrooms – For color, crunch, and veggie power.
- Fresh parsley or green onions – For a pop of green and extra freshness on top.
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta base is incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you keep it classic or add some flair, the creamy Cajun chicken pasta always delivers on flavor.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this creamy Cajun chicken pasta hit all the right notes—bold flavor, rich sauce, and tender protein—then you’ll love these other hearty, comforting meals from UMI Recipes. They’re just as easy to make and just as crave-worthy.
🍤 Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Boldly seasoned shrimp tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and creamy sauce. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that’s big on flavor.
🍗 Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
🍝 One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
An ultra-creamy vegetarian pasta that comes together in one pot with garlic, mushrooms, and Parmesan. Rich, simple, and satisfying.
🍛 Cajun Chicken and Rice Skillet
Spicy, smoky, and totally filling—this one-pan wonder is ideal for meal prep or easy cleanup nights.
🌶️ Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Cheesy, spicy, and completely addictive. This fusion of creamy mac and tangy buffalo chicken is always a hit at potlucks and parties.
Follow UMI Recipes on Pinterest for more Southern favorites and easy appetizers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Cajun chicken pasta is a savory dish made with pan-seared chicken seasoned in Cajun spices, combined with pasta and a rich cream-based sauce. It’s known for its smoky, slightly spicy flavor and comforting, creamy texture. Think of it as Southern heat meets Italian indulgence—and this creamy Cajun chicken pasta version is a perfect example.
How do you make Cajun chicken pasta creamier?
To make the dish extra creamy, use heavy cream instead of milk, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese. You can also stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of reserved pasta water to enhance the sauce’s richness and texture. Be sure to simmer the sauce gently—overheating can cause it to break. These tips will ensure your creamy Cajun chicken pasta stays luscious and smooth.
Whether you’re making creamy Cajun chicken pasta for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a reliable, flavor-packed recipe that always satisfies. Try creamy Cajun chicken pasta tonight and taste how effortless delicious can be!