Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe That Sizzles

Culinary magic happens when you blend bold cajun chicken with a luscious, velvety sauce that dances across your palate.

Intense spices mingle with smooth cream, creating a symphony of flavors that tells a delicious story.

Southern comfort meets gourmet flair in this irresistible dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken strips nestle among perfectly cooked pasta, each bite delivering a warmth that feels like a passionate kitchen embrace.

Robust seasonings whisper tales of louisiana’s rich cooking traditions, inviting you to savor every single forkful.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe will become your new weeknight dinner champion.

You cannot wait to dive into this mouthwatering creation that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Stands Out

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Experience a flavor explosion with bold Cajun seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty culinary adventure.
  • Quick and Satisfying Dinner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minimal time, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and comforting.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combine creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta to create a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, allowing for a personalized cooking experience that keeps everyone happy.

Ingredients For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean meat that absorbs the bold Cajun seasoning and creates the protein base for the pasta dish.
Pasta Base:
  • Fettuccine: Classic pasta noodles that provide a hearty foundation for the creamy Cajun chicken sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Spicy blend that adds signature southern Louisiana flavor and heat to the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste of the dish.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, texture, and depth to the pasta mixture.
Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that creates a smooth, luxurious sauce coating for the pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, aged cheese that adds complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat used to sauté chicken and vegetables with a light, clean flavor.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that provides a fresh visual and flavor accent to the finished dish.

How To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Drop fettuccine into salted boiling water and cook until al dente following package guidance. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with zesty Cajun seasoning, ensuring every inch gets a flavorful dusting.

Step 3: Sizzle and Sear

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with potential. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Step 4: Cook Chicken to Golden Goodness

Sear chicken breasts until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and cook completely through. Flip once to ensure even cooking, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board.

Step 5: Veggie Saute Magic

In the same skillet with delicious chicken remnants, add:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and slightly caramelized, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and Return Chicken

Cut the cooked chicken breasts into beautiful diagonal slices and return them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce Brilliance

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, glossy, and heated through.

Step 8: Season and Enhance

Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your preference.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Nestle the creamy Cajun chicken mixture over the prepared fettuccine, ensuring each strand gets coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation.

Helpful Notes For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Select a high-quality Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor depth and authentic spice profile.
  • Slice chicken breasts thinly to ensure even cooking and faster heat penetration.
  • Control cream sauce thickness by adjusting heavy cream quantity – less cream creates lighter consistency, more cream makes richer sauce.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for increased nutritional value and color variety.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help Cajun spices adhere better and create perfect crispy exterior.

Flavor Swaps For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Seafood Spice Sensation: Replace chicken with shrimp or crawfish for a classic Cajun seafood pasta experience, keeping the same creamy sauce and spicy flavor profile.
  • Veggie Heat Wave: Swap chicken with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach to create a vegetarian version that maintains the bold Cajun seasoning and rich cream sauce.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Use blackened chicken instead of regular seasoned chicken, add quinoa or brown rice as a base to transform the dish into a more protein-packed meal.
  • Lighter Creole Remix: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Greek yogurt, reducing calories while preserving the authentic Cajun taste and creamy texture.

What To Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Pair with Zesty Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the spicy Cajun flavors and refreshing the palate with its citrusy notes.
  • Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted bread provides a perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce and adds a delightful textural contrast to the pasta dish.
  • Complement with Crisp Side Salad: Light, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the heaviness of the creamy pasta and provides a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
  • Serve with Chilled Cucumber Slaw: Cool, crunchy slaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.

How To Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta and chicken remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Cajun chicken pasta can last up to 2 months without losing its flavor and texture.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and herbs that gives a spicy, bold flavor to dishes originating from Louisiana cuisine.

  • Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version to control the heat level according to your preference.

  • Is this dish considered authentic Cajun cuisine?

While inspired by Cajun flavors, this pasta is a modern fusion recipe that adapts traditional Cajun spices into a creamy pasta preparation.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, use whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables to increase nutritional value.

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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30-34 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy cajun chicken pasta brings southern comfort to your dinner table with a spicy, rich blend of flavors. Succulent chicken, zesty seasonings, and silky sauce combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Vegetables:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil fettuccine in salted water at 212°F until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Sear chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes.
  6. In the same skillet, sauté diced bell peppers and onions until softened and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Slice chicken into thin, diagonal strips and return to the skillet with vegetables.
  8. Pour heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and coats ingredients evenly.
  9. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  10. Plate fettuccine and top with creamy Cajun chicken mixture.
  11. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness.

Notes

  • Spice Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot blends to match personal heat tolerance.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep chicken and vegetables earlier in the day to streamline cooking process during busy evenings.
  • Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary preferences.
  • Lightening Option: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-24 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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