Pasta Recipes

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe | Bold Chicken Recipes

Whenever I need a dinner that’s both comforting and a little exciting, I turn to creamy Cajun chicken pasta. It’s got just the right kick of spice balanced with a silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. The chicken cooks up juicy, and those Cajun spices make the kitchen smell like I’m cooking for a crowd, even if it’s just me at the stove. I love how this dish feels like an upgrade from the usual weeknight pasta routine. The seasoning adds a smoky depth, while the cream keeps things mellow. It’s the kind of recipe where you end up sneaking bites straight from the pan, telling yourself you’re only checking for seasoning—but really, you just can’t wait. We’ve all been there. Whether you’re looking for Cajun pasta recipes for a family dinner or just want to keep chicken pasta recipes in your back pocket, this one delivers every time. It’s the kind of chicken dinner recipe that feels like a reward at the end of the day—easy creamy chicken recipes don’t get much better than this.

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Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • 4) How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • 5) Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • 6) Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • 8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
  • 9) Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta pulls together everything you crave on a busy night. It blends bold spice with a silky sauce, and it feels like comfort food that has a little personality. Chicken recipes often lean simple, but here the Cajun kick lifts the whole dish.

The recipe takes less than an hour and doesn’t call for fussy ingredients. Pasta, cream, peppers, and seasoned chicken build the base. Each element works together without stealing the spotlight.

At the table, this meal works for a weeknight family dinner or a casual evening with friends. It’s filling, flavorful, and adaptable. Add more spice, swap pasta shapes, or lighten the cream. The beauty lies in its flexibility.

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2) Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

I love dishes that don’t make me feel like I’m chained to the stove. This Cajun pasta checks that box. The chicken sears quickly, the vegetables soften in minutes, and the sauce thickens as if it were meant to be. It’s the kind of chicken dinner recipe you’ll want to repeat often.

Most Cajun pasta recipes promise flavor, but this one balances spice with cream in a way that makes each bite satisfying. You get heat without losing richness. You get texture without losing comfort. And it all comes together without a pile of dishes in the sink.

If you’re hunting for Cajun dinner recipes that give you that restaurant feel at home, this one delivers. It’s quick, forgiving, and has enough personality to stand out from other chicken pasta recipes you’ve tried.

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3) Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken works best here. It cooks evenly and picks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully. Slice it after cooking so it mixes easily with the pasta.

Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the recipe. A mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne gives a smoky, spicy punch. Adjust the amount depending on how much kick you like.

Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps sear the outside to a golden crust. A light drizzle is enough to get that balance of crisp edges and juicy centers.

Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers bring sweetness and color. They soften in the sauce and balance out the heat from the Cajun spices.

Onion and Garlic: Together they create a base flavor that makes the sauce taste like it cooked for hours, even though it didn’t.

Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth: Cream adds body, broth adds depth. Combined, they give the pasta that silky coating without being too heavy.

Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce and thickens it slightly. It’s salty, nutty, and ties the whole thing together.

Penne Pasta: Holds sauce in every curve and ridge. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t go soft when mixed with the sauce.

Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled at the end for color and a touch of freshness. It makes the dish look and feel finished.

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4) How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain it and set it aside, but save a little of the pasta water for later in case the sauce needs loosening.

Step 2. Season both sides of the chicken with Cajun spice. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then sear the chicken until golden outside and cooked through. Remove and slice.

Step 3. In the same skillet, add garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir until they soften and pick up the browned bits from the chicken.

Step 4. Pour in broth and cream. Let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly, then add Parmesan. Stir until smooth.

Step 5. Toss in the pasta and sliced chicken. Mix well so every piece is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra spice.

Step 6. Sprinkle with parsley, plate it up, and serve warm. It’s ready in less time than you’d expect for something this good.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Don’t crowd the skillet when searing chicken. Give it room so it browns instead of steaming. That golden crust adds flavor to both the meat and the sauce.

If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water brings it back to a silky texture. It also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.

Grate Parmesan fresh if you can. Pre-shredded versions don’t melt the same way and sometimes leave clumps. Freshly grated makes the sauce smooth and rich.

Lastly, taste as you go. Cajun seasoning blends vary, so you may need more or less depending on the brand. Adjust until it feels right to you.

6) Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time

Cooking this ahead is simple. The sauce thickens a little more in the fridge, but a splash of cream or broth brings it back to life when reheated. Keep the chicken separate from the pasta if you want to avoid overcooking it during reheating.

If you plan to serve it later in the week, store the pasta and sauce in one container and the chicken in another. Mix them when reheating, and it’ll taste like it was just made.

This recipe works well for meal prep too. Divide it into portions, refrigerate, and you’ll have ready-to-go lunches or dinners without losing flavor.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth before reheating to loosen the sauce.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If using a microwave, stir halfway through so the sauce doesn’t separate. Top with a little extra Parmesan for freshness.

This dish doesn’t freeze as well as other pasta dishes because of the cream, but it holds well in the fridge for quick weeknight meals.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe | Bold Chicken Recipes

Whenever I need a dinner that’s both comforting and a little exciting, I turn to creamy Cajun chicken pasta. It’s got just the right kick of spice balanced with a silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. The chicken cooks up juicy, and those Cajun spices make the kitchen smell like I’m cooking for a crowd, even if it’s just me at the stove. I love how this dish feels like an upgrade from the usual weeknight pasta routine. The seasoning adds a smoky depth, while the cream keeps things mellow. It’s the kind of recipe where you end up sneaking bites straight from the pan, telling yourself you’re only checking for seasoning—but really, you just can’t wait. We’ve all been there. Whether you’re looking for Cajun pasta recipes for a family dinner or just want to keep chicken pasta recipes in your back pocket, this one delivers every time. It’s the kind of chicken dinner recipe that feels like a reward at the end of the day—easy creamy chicken recipes don’t get much better than this.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun Dinner Recipes, cajun pasta recipes, chicken dinner recipe, Chicken Pasta Recipes, chicken recipes, Chicken Recipes Dinner, easy creamy chicken recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Nancy

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic, peppers, and onion. Sauté until softened.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Garnish with parsley before serving.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate | Calories: 520 | Sugar: 6 g | Sodium: 890 mg | Fat: 27 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Fiber: 3 g | Protein: 28 g | Cholesterol: 95 mg

Recipe by Nancy at Nancy Cooks

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