If you’re craving a dish that brings bold flavors and comforting creaminess to your dinner table, this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken strips coated in a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce, tossed with pasta, and brightened up with fresh cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. It delivers a mouthwatering combination that’s both satisfying and simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Whether it’s your first time cooking Cajun or you’re a seasoned fan, this recipe will quickly become one of your top favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each simple ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in crafting that perfect balance of taste and texture. From the spicy Cajun seasoning that brings heat and aroma to the creamy Parmesan-infused sauce, every component helps make this dish irresistibly delicious and visually inviting.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips): Provides tender protein and soaks up the Cajun flavor beautifully.
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided): Adds smoky, spicy kick that is the heart of the dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta: Holds onto the sauce while adding satisfying bite.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps sauté garlic to fragrant perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, creamy texture that makes this pasta comforting.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while adding savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers the salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Brings bursts of fresh juiciness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced): Adds crunch and sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish): Offers fresh herbal brightness on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente, just like the package directs. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of every great pasta dish, and it ensures you get that satisfying bite that holds the sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning generously over the chicken strips. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook it over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This searing step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a wonderful texture.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Drop in the butter and let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell that intoxicating garlic aroma. Then pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir often as the sauce thickens, taking about 3 to 5 minutes, so everything melts together into a silky, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Add Fresh Veggies
Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced bell peppers. Let them cook in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to soften slightly but maintain their fresh texture and color. These veggies balance the richness with brightness and a little crunch.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Return the chicken strips to the skillet along with your cooked pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken gets coated in that creamy Cajun sauce. Give it a quick taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Then you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley right before serving for a touch of herbal brightness that lifts the flavors and adds a lovely pop of green to your plate. A final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread. A fresh Caesar salad or some roasted vegetables are perfect complements that round out the meal without competing with the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a graceful twirl of the pasta. Add colorful cherry tomatoes and parsley on top for visual appeal. For gatherings, serve it family-style in a large cast-iron skillet right from the stove to keep the warmth and invite everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken, so stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to bring back that smooth texture.
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, but because of the cream sauce, results are best if you freeze it without the pasta. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, then add freshly cooked pasta to keep the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce and stir often to avoid sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure even warming without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fettuccine and penne work great because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use other shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti depending on your preference and pantry.
How spicy is this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning. Using a mild Cajun blend will make it flavorful without overwhelming heat, perfect for family dinners.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, though it may alter the richness slightly. For a lighter version, reduce the cheese and use half-and-half to keep it creamy but less indulgent.
What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?
Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make excellent additions. Add spinach towards the end to wilt gently or sauté mushrooms along with the bell peppers for added umami and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Keep sauce and pasta together or separately based on your reheating preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s approachable, full of personality, and simply delicious. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight or to impress friends, it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender strips of Cajun-spiced chicken simmered in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines a spicy kick with creamy indulgence.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning evenly to coat.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Vegetables: Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced bell peppers to the sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- Combine: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce evenly.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top as garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning and adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Feel free to add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best in this creamy dish.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
