Name: Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup chicken broth; 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Cajun Flavors – A perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and creaminess.
Quick and Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
One-Pan Wonder – Cook everything in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Creamy & Satisfying – A rich sauce that perfectly coats every bite of pasta.
Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts (or thighs)
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic
Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

Directions

Cook the pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season and cook the chicken – Coat chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and slice.
Sauté vegetables – In the same pan, sauté garlic and bell peppers until softened.
Make the sauce – Add chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine everything – Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap with a dairy-free alternative.
Extra Spicy – Add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
Protein Swap – Try shrimp, sausage, or even tofu instead of chicken.
Vegetable Boost – Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes! But if you prefer homemade, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best, as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add extra chicken broth or a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Can I make it less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes for a milder taste.

What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta?

A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can thicken it with a little flour or cornstarch if needed.

How do I get a smoky flavor in the sauce?

Use smoked paprika in your Cajun seasoning for a deeper, smoky taste.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes! Parmesan works best, but you can also mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, but store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.

Is this dish similar to Alfredo?

It’s similar but spicier, with a Cajun twist that gives it more depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy and spicy dish that’s easy to make yet packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress, this dish delivers. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Cajun Chicken Pasta

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This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete, restaurant-quality experience at home!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4servings

Instructions

Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken with Cajun seasoning.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and slice.
4️⃣ Sauté Vegetables – In the same pan, sauté garlic and bell peppers until softened (about 2 minutes).
5️⃣ Make the Sauce – Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Let simmer until smooth and slightly thickened.
6️⃣ Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot!