Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a perfect blend of bold spices and rich flavors. With tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and the comforting texture of fettuccine, it’s an easy dish that feels special for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Using the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and green bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and diced tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce on the side.
• Use smoked paprika in place of some Cajun seasoning for a smoky twist.
• Substitute chicken breasts with shrimp or sausage for a different protein option.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle work well in this recipe. Just cook according to package instructions.

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning typically has a moderate level of spice with a smoky, savory profile. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or use a milder seasoning blend.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with al dente pasta in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with sautéed vegetables and fresh parsley garnish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner with a spicy Southern twist.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and diced tomatoes, letting the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as desired.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta warm and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Fresh diced tomatoes add brightness, but canned diced tomatoes work well too.
• Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, easy pasta dinner, Southern cuisine