Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a decadent, flavor-forward dish that seamlessly blends the spicy allure of Cajun seasoning with the smooth richness of a velvety cream sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend indulgence that balances heat, texture, and savory depth. This bold recipe features tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce that coats every bite with irresistible intensity.
Whether you are seeking a comforting homemade meal or aiming to impress guests with a restaurant-style presentation, this recipe delivers gourmet results in under an hour.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 oz penne pasta (or fettuccine, linguine)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Additional Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken slices dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in bell peppers and sauté for an additional 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, paprika, Parmesan, and optional cayenne or red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to desired consistency. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
- You can use shrimp or andouille sausage as alternative proteins for variation.
- To make it gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify all ingredients for gluten content.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on spice preference homemade blends tend to be less salty and more customizable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 135mg