If you’re craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory elements that will make your taste buds dance. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner option that comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families or anyone who loves good food without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
- Store-bought Cajun seasoning works great, but watch the salt content as some brands can be quite salty.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
- For meal prep, you can slice the vegetables and chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta reheats beautifully, making it perfect for next-day lunches. Just remember to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A restaurant-quality pasta dish bursting with flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory elements.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, making sure they're evenly coated.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed.