Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Bold, Creamy & Irresistibly Spicy)

A Restaurant-Style Pasta Packed with Flavor and Heat

If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and a little kick of spice, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite dinner. Juicy, Cajun-seasoned chicken is seared to perfection, then tossed with tender pasta in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with smoky spices and garlic.

This spicy chicken pasta recipe is inspired by restaurant classics but made easily at home in under an hour. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfectly balanced — creamy without being heavy and spicy without overpowering the dish.

Let’s dive into this bold creamy pasta recipe that’s guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Bold Cajun flavor with a creamy finish
• Ready in about 40 minutes
• One-skillet sauce
• Customizable spice level
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights

It delivers that irresistible combination of smoky, savory, and creamy in every bite.

What Makes Cajun Pasta So Special?

Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices commonly associated with Louisiana cooking. It typically includes:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme

When combined with cream and parmesan, these spices create a sauce that’s smoky, slightly spicy, and deeply flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Cajun Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on seasoning blend)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup sliced yellow bell pepper
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (extra for flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken served over pasta tossed in a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
• 12 oz pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Season and sear chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. Prepare Cajun cream sauce with garlic, broth, cream, and seasoning.
4. Add parmesan and simmer until thickened.
5. Toss pasta with sauce and top with sliced chicken.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. Set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

5. Pat chicken breasts dry.
6. Rub evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.
7. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

10. In the same skillet, add butter if needed.
11. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Add sliced bell peppers and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
13. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.
14. Bring to a gentle simmer.
15. Stir in parmesan cheese and extra Cajun seasoning.
16. Simmer 4–6 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

17. Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
18. Toss to coat thoroughly.
19. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce needs loosening.
20. Slice chicken and place over pasta or toss into sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

21. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
22. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Use a thermometer for juicy results.

2. Adjust the Heat

Add extra cayenne for more spice, or reduce Cajun seasoning for milder flavor.

3. Use Fresh Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.

4. Let the Sauce Simmer Gently

Avoid boiling to prevent separation.

Delicious Variations

Add Shrimp

Turn it into Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta for extra protein.

Add Spinach

Stir in fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrition.

Make It Lighter

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Make It Extra Cheesy

Add mozzarella for a thicker sauce.

What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Lemon sparkling water

This easy Cajun chicken dinner pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of cream or broth.
• Avoid high microwave heat to prevent sauce from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Absolutely. Just check salt levels since some blends are salt-heavy.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a medium heat level, but you can adjust it easily.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes — substitute gluten-free pasta.

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta works because:

• Chicken is properly seasoned and seared
• Sauce is built in the same pan for maximum flavor
• Cream balances bold spices
• Pasta water creates silky texture

It’s bold, creamy, slightly spicy, and utterly satisfying.