Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you love bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner! It’s got everything—juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, a creamy, garlicky sauce, and tender pasta all tossed together in one delicious, comforting dish.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights because it comes together in under 30 minutes! Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to make it kid-friendly or turn up the heat for those who love a little kick. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is always a hit!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

For the Cajun Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz fettuccine (or any pasta you like)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Pasta

✅ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
✅ Adjust the Spice: For a kid-friendly version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit red pepper flakes.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
✅ Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
✅ Want More Veggies? Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition!

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Tongs (for flipping chicken)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Substitutions & Variations

🔥 Make it Spicier: Add extra Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
🥑 Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
🐟 Swap the Protein: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a Cajun Shrimp Pasta variation!
🥦 Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the garlic for a balanced meal.
🍝 Different Pasta Options: Works great with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make the sauce separately and reheat gently when ready to serve.
• Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture!

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water (if needed for the sauce).

Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken

4. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
5. In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

10. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter.
11. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
13. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
14. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

15. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
16. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
17. Top with sliced Cajun chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Leftovers & Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect mix of comfort and spice! It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it a great go-to meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

💬 Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out, or if you made any fun variations! 🍝🔥