Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: Spicy Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy pasta nights just got a spicy upgrade with this Cajun chicken pasta recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Bold Cajun spices dance through tender chicken and silky noodles, creating a meal that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

The blend of creamy sauce and zesty seasonings promises a dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Rich, comforting, and packed with robust flavors, this dish turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

You won’t believe how simple it is to recreate this restaurant-style favorite at home.

This recipe is your ticket to a memorable meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: Standout Details

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken pasta into a flavor-packed meal that'll wake up your taste buds with its bold, zesty kick.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this delicious dish in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your spice tolerance, ensuring everyone from mild-loving kids to heat-seeking adults can enjoy this creamy, satisfying pasta.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet method that streamlines cooking and makes meal preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

Ingredients for Cajun Pasta Night

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape with tube-like structure that holds sauce exceptionally well.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that absorbs Cajun seasoning and adds hearty flavor to the dish.
• Half and Half: Creamy dairy product that creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Signature spice blend that provides bold, zesty flavor profile to the entire dish.

• Butter, Garlic: Classic combination that creates a flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty taste and helps thicken the sauce with its melting properties.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a light cooking fat with subtle fruity undertones.

• Tomatoes, Parsley: Fresh ingredients that add color, brightness, and a touch of freshness to the final dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and add penne pasta.

Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta reaches al dente perfection.

Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over both sides of the chicken.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.

Cook for approximately three minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Prepare Skillet

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the skillet.

Clean the skillet thoroughly and return it to the stove over medium heat.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

Drop butter into the warm skillet and let it melt completely.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour into the butter and whisk continuously for another 30 seconds.

Slowly introduce half and half, starting with just a tablespoon at a time to ensure a smooth, thick sauce.

Gradually increase the pour as the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Stir in parmesan cheese and allow it to melt completely into the sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning.

Season with salt and pepper to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 6: Assemble and Plate

Gently fold the cooked penne into the creamy sauce.

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra parmesan cheese
• Sliced cooked chicken

Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and enjoy the burst of Cajun-inspired flavors!

Tips for Spicy, Creamy Pasta

• Whisk flour constantly when adding to butter to avoid clumpy sauce texture.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature for perfect cooking.
• Add half and half slowly at first, whisking continuously to create a silky, lump-free sauce consistency.
• Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to help retain juices and distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Zest: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to create a silky, smooth sauce that's safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, adding extra Cajun seasoning for a bold, vegetarian-friendly meal that packs a punch.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Trade pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the creamy sauce and spicy flavors while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of half and half, nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, and coconut oil for butter to create a rich, allergen-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serving Suggestions for Cajun Pasta

• Comfort Food Feast: A hearty, spicy dish perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Cajun Flavor Boost: Sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning on top for those who love an extra kick of heat.
• Veggie Companion: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the spicy Cajun flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay.

Storing Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
• Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing the container to prevent condensation and potential soggy texture.
• Keep the pasta in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum. After this time, discard to ensure quality and prevent potential foodborne illness.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of half and half or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices typically including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, robust Louisiana-style flavor.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or use a mild version to lower the heat level while maintaining the signature flavor profile.

• Is half and half necessary for the sauce?

Half and half creates a creamy texture, but you can substitute with heavy cream or whole milk for similar results. Each option will slightly change the sauce’s richness.

• How do I know when chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat and remains juicy.

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delights taste buds with rich, creamy sauce and bold Creole seasonings. Hearty pasta and tender chicken combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) half and half
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Garnish and Seasoning:

• 1 tomato, diced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking constantly for 30 seconds to create a smooth roux.
6. Gradually pour half and half into the skillet, starting with small amounts and whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue adding liquid until sauce becomes creamy and thickened.
7. Incorporate parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted. Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
8. Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add drained pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
9. Top the pasta with sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Seasoning Swap Experiment with different Cajun blends or create a homemade mix to control spice levels and customize flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Protein Alternatives Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein for varied dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Cream Modification Replace half-and-half with lower-fat options like milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg