Cajun Chicken Pasta

A creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish, Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting meal that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, seasoned sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality dish right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe stands out for its bold flavors and creamy texture. The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a smoky, slightly spicy kick, while the creamy sauce balances it with richness. It is quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and can easily be adjusted to suit your spice preference. Plus, it is versatile—serve it as a hearty main dish for family dinners or an impressive option for guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts

• Cajun seasoning

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Red bell pepper

• Yellow bell pepper

• Onion

• Garlic

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Parmesan cheese

• Penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Salt and black pepper

directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and slice into strips.

4. In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender.

5. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet, toss in the cooked pasta, and coat well with the sauce.

8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

• Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

• Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the Cajun seasoning.

• Try a different pasta shape, such as fettuccine or rotini, for variety.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

How spicy is Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. Some blends are milder, while others are hotter. You can always adjust the quantity to your preference.

Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then cook the pasta fresh before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming soggy.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne is most commonly used, but fettuccine, linguine, or rotini also work well. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the creamy sauce effectively.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used. Simply add it to the sauce to heat through before tossing with pasta.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative.

How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cream by half, and add more vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.

Can I freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Freezing is not recommended, as creamy sauces often separate after thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.

What protein substitutes can I use?

Besides shrimp, you can use turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version with Cajun spices.

Do I need store-bought Cajun seasoning?

No, you can make your own by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines creamy textures with bold, spicy seasoning. Whether you prepare it for a quick weeknight meal or as a comforting dish for guests, it is sure to impress. With its versatility, simple ingredients, and robust taste, this recipe is a staple you will return to time and again.

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