Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
If you’re craving bold flavors, creamy texture, and a satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-quality, this Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s rich, smoky, slightly spicy, and packed with tender chicken and colorful bell peppers — all coated in a luscious Cajun cream sauce.
This dish brings together the vibrant flavors of Louisiana-inspired Cajun seasoning with the comfort of creamy pasta. The result is a spicy chicken pasta recipe that’s hearty enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests.
Ready in about 35 minutes, this creamy chicken pasta dinner is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Bold, smoky Cajun flavor
- Rich, velvety cream sauce
- Perfect balance of spice and creaminess
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Customizable spice level
- Family-friendly comfort food
This homemade Cajun chicken pasta combines simple ingredients with big flavor, making it one of the best easy Cajun pasta recipes you’ll ever try.
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a flavorful spice blend rooted in Louisiana cooking. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. The blend creates a smoky, slightly spicy profile that pairs beautifully with cream-based sauces.
You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own to control the heat level.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. - Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and coat evenly with ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing. - Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add butter and sliced bell peppers. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer. - Add Cheese
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Allow sauce to thicken for 3–5 minutes. - Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. - Finish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve warm.
Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente and reserve pasta water.
- Season and sear chicken until cooked through, then slice.
- Sauté peppers and garlic in the same skillet.
- Add broth and cream, then simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce and toss well.
Notes
Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese may not melt smoothly. Freshly grated cheese ensures a silky sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Use a meat thermometer and cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Adjust the Spice Level
For milder flavor, reduce Cajun seasoning slightly. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Let the Sauce Simmer Gently
Avoid boiling the cream rapidly, which can cause separation.
Delicious Variations
Shrimp Cajun Pasta
Replace chicken with large shrimp for a seafood twist.
Blackened Cajun Style
Coat chicken heavily in seasoning and cook in a very hot skillet for a blackened crust.
Cream Cheese Version
Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for extra richness.
Veggie Boost
Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken pasta dinner pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Lemon green beans
For a complete comfort meal, serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cheese over high heat (can cause clumping)
- Skipping resting time for chicken before slicing
- Using too much seasoning at once
- Over-reducing the sauce
Why This is the Ultimate Easy Cajun Pasta
This homemade creamy Cajun chicken pasta hits every note: smoky, spicy, creamy, and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and bold Cajun seasoning creates layers of flavor that taste far more complex than the simple ingredient list suggests.
It’s:
- Comforting yet exciting
- Rich but balanced
- Quick yet impressive
If you’re looking for a spicy chicken pasta recipe that feels indulgent but is easy enough for weeknights, this is the one.
