Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! A delightful combination of tender chicken, flavorful Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with pasta, this dish is both indulgent and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is packed with bold flavors and can be easily customized with different proteins and vegetables.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or pan (for cooking chicken and sauce)
- Cutting board and knife (for prepping chicken and vegetables)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula (for handling chicken)
- Strainer (for draining pasta)
- Wooden spoon (for stirring sauce)
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz 340g penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup diced bell peppers red, yellow, or green
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ lb shrimp as an alternative protein
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced bell peppers and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well, ensuring everything is coated with the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the heat.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken with shrimp, sausage (like Andouille), or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pasta Options: Works great with fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw overnight before reheating.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken with shrimp, sausage (like Andouille), or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pasta Options: Works great with fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw overnight before reheating.