Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect marriage of bold Cajun spices, tender seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety, flavor-packed cream sauce. This dish is a standout choice when you’re craving comfort food with personality. It’s rich, satisfying, and a bit spicy — everything a weeknight pasta dish should be.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this recipe will have everyone going back for seconds. It combines the rustic charm of Southern Cajun flavors with the sophistication of creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo — all made in one pan in under 40 minutes.
Let’s dive into this crave-worthy pasta recipe and all the ways you can customize it to your taste.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Large nonstick or cast iron skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or a spatula for flipping chicken
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or strainer
- Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or orange), thinly sliced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) penne, fettuccine, or your preferred pasta
- Salted water (for boiling)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan
- A squeeze of lemon (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water if you want to use it to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Remove chicken from pan and let it rest. Then slice it into strips.
Step 3: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if needed.
- Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Stir in sliced chicken and mix until everything is coated in the creamy Cajun goodness.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with extra chicken slices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Tips for Success
- Season in layers – Cajun spice in the chicken and sauce adds depth.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and adds richer flavor.
- Reserve pasta water – It’s a starchy magic trick for silky sauce.
- Balance the spice – Adjust Cajun seasoning and chili flakes to your heat tolerance.
Variations
🔄 Protein Swaps
- Shrimp Cajun Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp. Cook them quickly (2–3 minutes per side) and add them after the sauce is done.
- Andouille Sausage: Adds a smoky Southern touch — slice and sauté before building the sauce.
🌱 Vegetarian Version
- Use plant-based chicken or skip the protein altogether.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for texture and flavor.
🧀 Extra Creamy
- Add 2 oz of cream cheese to the sauce for an even richer texture.
- A splash of milk can be added if your sauce is too thick.
🍅 Tomato Twist
- Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste for a rosé-style Cajun sauce.
Make It Fit Your Diet
🥛 Dairy-Free
- Use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.
🐔 Low-Carb/Keto
- Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles.
- Use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum if needed.
🌾 Gluten-Free
- Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Ensure Cajun seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.
Storage & Reheating
🍱 Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
🔁 Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
❄️ Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-heavy sauce, which may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. If using leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, just season it lightly and add it to the sauce to warm.
How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
It varies. Store-bought blends are usually moderately spicy. Start small and build up.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, keep the pasta and sauce separate until serving. Combine and heat just before eating.
What’s a good side dish?
Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
This Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is the kind of dish that earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s bold, hearty, and indulgent — yet comes together with minimal effort. The Cajun spices bring a Southern-inspired warmth, while the cream sauce delivers comforting richness that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta and chicken.
With endless variations and simple prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or when you want to impress with something homemade and unforgettable. Once you make this pasta, you might just find yourself reaching for Cajun seasoning a lot more often.
