Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts comforting and bold, this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is going to sweep you off your feet! Tender chicken strips are perfectly seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, mingling with sweet bell peppers and a luxuriously creamy sauce that wraps every noodle in luscious flavor. The colors pop, the aroma is irresistible, and the best part? You’ll have this restaurant-worthy pasta on your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Get ready for a weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta lies in its short, simple ingredient list—every item brings something special, whether it’s a burst of color, a punch of flavor, or that crave-worthy creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you won’t want to leave anything out:
- Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape—fettuccine gives you wide, slurpable noodles, while penne catches all the sauce in its little tubes.
- Chicken breasts (1 lb, sliced into strips): Boneless, skinless chicken cooks up quickly and soaks up the bold Cajun flavors.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp): This is the heartbeat of the dish—smoky, spicy, and rich. Store-bought is quick, or make your own for a personal touch.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the chicken and adding a touch of richness.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Adds silkiness to the sautéed vegetables and deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Sweet and vibrant, for maximum color and crunch.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Another pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for aroma and depth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The magic maker for that dreamy, creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce just right and infuses extra savory flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts in to create incredible flavor and silkiness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing everything into perfect balance.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Optional, but it adds a fresh, bright finish!
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your chosen pasta until it’s deliciously al dente. This gives just the right amount of bite to stand up to that creamy Cajun sauce. Once it’s ready, drain (save a splash of pasta water if you like a looser sauce later) and set aside—the adventure is about to begin!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta is doing its thing, grab your chicken strips and toss them in a bowl with Cajun seasoning. Don’t be shy—get every piece coated so your chicken carries that fiery, earthy flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Let them sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes, turning once, until they’re golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy for the sauce.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the butter. Then toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until those peppers soften a bit and the garlic perfumed the air. You’re building layers of flavor for your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor gold! Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a silky, cheesy sauce with just the right thickness.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with your drained pasta. Toss gently to coat every noodle in that creamy, dreamy Cajun sauce. Let everything heat through for 1 or 2 minutes. Taste, then finish things off with a pinch more salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning if your taste buds are craving it.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to a serving bowl or plate. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A generous handful of chopped parsley is classic for brightness, but don’t stop there—a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a crack of fresh black pepper, or even a little dusting of Cajun seasoning on top intensifies both flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This saucy, hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread to mop up extra sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans are also lovely for adding a bit of green and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual bowls are terrific for cozy nights, but for guests, impress by serving your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta family-style in a big, colorful platter. For a twist, scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers or top with grilled shrimp for a little surf-and-turf sizzle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Let your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for later, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. The sauce may separate a little when thawed due to the cream, but a good stir while reheating usually brings it back together. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave (covered) with a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy sauce. Stir well as it warms—you want everything evenly reheated and saucy, not dry!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or sliced andouille sausage both work beautifully in this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe. You can even mix and match, or try tofu for a vegetarian version with Cajun flair.
Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
Most Cajun blends are mildly spicy with smoky, garlicky undertones. Control the heat by adding less if you prefer, or toss in red pepper flakes for a hotter kick! Homemade blends let you adjust the spice to your own taste.
What kind of pasta works best?
The recipe shines with both fettuccine and penne, but almost any hearty pasta shape works. Just aim for something that can hold up to the thick, creamy sauce—rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti are all fantastic options.
Can I make this dish dairy free?
You can swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative (like unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream) and use a vegan Parmesan substitute. The sauce will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful!
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce seems thin, let it simmer on low for another few minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your liking. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce to help absorb some liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s an invitation to treat yourself to something special—even on a busy weeknight. With so much flavor and so little fuss, I hope it becomes a regular in your kitchen. Gather your loved ones and dig in—you’re going to fall in love with every spicy, creamy, cheesy bite!
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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Cajun cream sauce served over fettuccine or penne pasta. It’s a quick and easy stovetop meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and garlic. Add cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss in the sauce. Cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- This dish also works well with shrimp or andouille sausage instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
