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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Bold, Creamy & Irresistibly Spicy)
If you crave bold, creamy, and slightly spicy comfort food, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is your answer. Juicy, seasoned chicken tossed with pasta in a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce delivers the perfect balance of heat and indulgence.
This recipe brings the flavors of Louisiana straight to your dinner table in under 40 minutes. Whether for a weeknight family dinner or a dinner that wows guests, this dish is packed with layers of flavor, creamy texture, and a kick of Cajun spice that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, spicy Cajun flavor
- Creamy, indulgent sauce
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- One-pan option for easy cleanup
- Family-friendly with an adult-friendly kick
- Easily customizable
This spicy chicken pasta recipe is both comforting and exciting — perfect for anyone who loves rich flavors with a little heat.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: extra parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken
Toss sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until fully cooked and golden. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables & Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, red and green bell peppers, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and Cajun seasoning. Sauté 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3–5 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add Cheese & Adjust Seasoning
Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if desired. If sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly.
6. Combine Pasta & Chicken
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Return chicken slices to the pan and stir gently to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the creamy, spicy sauce.
7. Serve & Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and pasta tossed in a bold, creamy Cajun sauce with peppers and spices for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente and set aside.
- Season and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
- Sauté garlic and bell peppers with Cajun spices.
- Make the cream sauce by adding flour, broth, cream, and parmesan.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce and toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Adjust spice level with crushed red pepper flakes according to preference.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Don’t overcook chicken – Sliced thin, it cooks quickly and stays tender.
- High-quality Cajun seasoning – Makes a huge flavor difference.
- Reserve pasta water – Helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Cook vegetables briefly – Keeps them crisp-tender and vibrant.
Variations & Add-Ons
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini add color and nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Shrimp or chicken thighs work beautifully.
- Spicier Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy Cajun pasta with:
- Garlic bread or French baguette
- Simple side salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A crisp white wine or iced tea
It’s versatile enough to serve as a cozy dinner or a slightly elevated weeknight meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but store pasta and sauce separately for best texture.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely, just adjust cook time according to package instructions.
Is this recipe spicy?
Moderately, but you can adjust crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to taste.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of:
- Properly seared chicken for depth
- Roasted peppers and garlic for aromatic sweetness
- Roux-based cream sauce for richness
- Balanced Cajun spices for heat
creates a dish that is indulgent, bold, and irresistibly creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is comfort food with a spicy kick. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to impress. Bold, creamy, and packed with flavor — one bite and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for spice lovers everywhere.