Introduction

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich and spicy dish that blends tender chicken with a luscious, creamy sauce. Infused with bold Cajun flavors and smoky paprika, this pasta is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta. The pasta shells are coated in a thick, smooth light beige sauce, with small chunks of grilled chicken on top that are golden brown with a slight char. The sauce looks rich and covers every piece of pasta fully. There are tiny specks of black pepper scattered over the dish, adding contrast to the creamy color. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for the pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and let rest, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, then set pasta aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
Step 7: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together evenly. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality Cajun seasoning or make your own blend for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood version of this dish.
Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.
Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta if needed; the sauce and chicken remain delicious.

Storage

Store leftover creamy Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta. The pasta shapes are large and tubular, covered in a thick cream sauce that has a light beige color. Pieces of grilled chicken, golden brown with a slight char, sit on top, scattered evenly across the pasta. The sauce has a smooth texture with small green herbs mixed in, adding tiny pops of color. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. It’s typically mildly spicy and smoky, but you can adjust it by adding more seasoning or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.