Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Spicy, Comforting, and Flavor-Packed Dish
Rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings a perfect combination of comfort food and a spicy kick. Tender pieces of chicken coated in a fragrant Cajun spice blend are tossed with al dente pasta and smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce. Each bite delivers a balance of heat, creaminess, and subtle smokiness, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend treat.
This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses anyone you serve it to with minimal effort. The ingredients are simple and versatile, yet the flavors feel indulgent, giving you a restaurant-style experience right in your kitchen. Perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors without overwhelming complexity, this creamy Cajun pasta is as comforting as it is exciting.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a complete list of ingredients with approximate calorie counts per serving or measurement:
| Ingredient | Amount | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb | 500 kcal |
| Penne or fettuccine pasta | 8 oz | 840 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp | 30 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small | 45 kcal |
| Red bell pepper (sliced) | 1 | 25 kcal |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 kcal |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | 10 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup | 220 kcal |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp | 2 kcal |
| Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
6. Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then toss in the drained pasta. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
7. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes if more heat is desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti depending on preference.
- Lower Fat Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
- Heat Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~652 kcal |
| Protein | ~38 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~55 g |
| Fat | ~32 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugar | ~4 g |
| Sodium | Moderate (depends on Cajun seasoning & broth) |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan and parsley for presentation and flavor.
- Great for meal prep—reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Spicy, Comforting, and Flavor-Packed Dish
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes652
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season and Cook the Chicken
- Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 5–7 minutes or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies
- In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, then toss in the drained pasta. Stir until everything is well coated. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Lightly sear the chicken before adding the sauce for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, linguine, and rigatoni all work beautifully. Choose a pasta shape that holds creamy sauce well for the best results.
2. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also skip the red pepper flakes to tone down the heat.
3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a blend of milk and cream cheese are great substitutes if you want to lighten the recipe while keeping it creamy.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can! Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta reheats well, especially if you add a splash of milk or broth when warming it to keep the sauce smooth and silky.
5. Is Cajun seasoning the same as Creole seasoning?
They’re similar but not identical. Cajun seasoning tends to be spicier and more pepper-forward, while Creole seasoning has more herbs. Both work well in this recipe.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce, it combines simplicity with bold flavors. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive for guests, this dish delivers a creamy, spicy, and satisfying experience every time. Bring the taste of Cajun-inspired cuisine to your table and enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is comforting.
