Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you love a little spice with your comfort food, Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your weeknight favorite. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken tossed with tender pasta in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce—this recipe is packed with flavor yet ready in under 30 minutes.

Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat, while the cream and Parmesan cheese balance it with velvety richness. Add sautéed bell peppers for a splash of sweetness and color, and you have a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Perfect for cozy dinners, casual gatherings, or when you just need a quick indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Pasta

• Quick, ready in under 30 minutes
• Bold Cajun flavor without complicated techniques
• Creamy, indulgent, and satisfying
• Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein
• One skillet cleanup option if desired

The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish both comforting and exciting—something everyone will want seconds of.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
2. Season the chicken.
   Rub chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning.
3. Cook the chicken.
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
4. Sauté vegetables.
   In the same skillet, add red bell pepper and garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until tender and fragrant.
5. Make the creamy sauce.
   Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir to combine. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and velvety.
6. Combine pasta and chicken.
   Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Season and finish.
   Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Juicy Cajun chicken tossed with pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce with bell peppers and a hint of spice, ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired

Calories: 620

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz pasta
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife

Method

 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
2. Rub chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear in olive oil until cooked through.
3. Sauté bell pepper and garlic in the same skillet.
4. Add heavy cream and Parmesan to make the creamy sauce.
5. Toss cooked pasta and sliced chicken in the sauce, season, and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.

Tips for the Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to get a nice golden crust.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth, creamy sauce.
• Adjust the spice: Add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat or reduce it for milder flavor.
• Rest the chicken briefly after cooking to keep it juicy.

Variations to Try

Extra Vegetables

• Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed alongside the bell peppers.

Make It Creamier

• Stir in cream cheese for an even richer sauce.

Add Protein Options

• Shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Make It Lighter

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap pasta for zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta pairs well with:

• Garlic bread
• Steamed green beans
• Caesar salad
• A crisp white wine or sparkling water

It’s a complete, flavorful meal that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Simply add it in at the end with the pasta to warm through.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely—add extra Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta; sauce and chicken remain the same.

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy Cajun pasta is bold but balanced. The heat from the Cajun seasoning is offset by the cream and cheese, while the bell peppers add sweetness and texture. Cooking everything in one skillet (except the pasta) keeps flavors concentrated and cleanup minimal.

It’s the kind of recipe that looks gourmet but is deceptively easy—perfect for weeknights, casual entertaining, or when you just want something comforting and flavorful.