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why make this recipe

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta gives bold spice and a rich sauce in one pan. It cooks fast and fills the house with a warm, spicy smell. It is a great weeknight dinner when you want something tasty but simple.

introduction

This dish pairs spicy Cajun flavor with a smooth, creamy sauce. It works with many pastas and fits well with quick sides like a salad. For a different easy chicken dinner idea, try 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Bake to compare a milder, hands-off option.

how to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Season and sear the chicken. Cut or keep whole. Heat oil in a pan. Add chicken and cook until brown and done. Rest the chicken, then slice or cut into pieces.
Boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and save a little pasta water.
Make the sauce in the same pan. Melt butter, add garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir in cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer and thicken. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth.
Add pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of saved pasta water. Taste and add salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.

If you want a slow cooker version, you can follow ideas from a slow cooker creamy Cajun pasta recipe to change the method.

Ingredients :

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are quick to cook and absorb the Cajun seasoning well. You could also use thighs for more flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken. Olive oil adds a mild flavor and helps sear the chicken evenly.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is the key to the dish’s bold flavor. You can either use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and ensuring it has enough flavor.
12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti: Any long or short pasta will work, but penne and fettuccine are great choices for creamy sauces.
Salt, for the pasta water: Seasoning the pasta water enhances the flavor of the pasta.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The butter forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adding Cajun seasoning to the sauce intensifies the dish’s flavor profile.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a smoky flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning and adds depth to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: The heavy cream makes the sauce velvety and rich, balancing the heat from the Cajun spices.
½ cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds a savory base to the sauce and helps thin it out slightly for a smoother texture.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce, making it extra flavorful.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish and added freshness.
Red pepper flakes: For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon just before serving will brighten the dish and balance the richness.
Sautéed vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this Cajun pasta.

Directions :

First Step: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until done. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.

Second Step: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Third Step: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In the pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds. Stir in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Let simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thick. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan until smooth.

Fourth Step: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little saved pasta water. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if you like heat.

how to serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve hot in deep plates or bowls. Add a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan on top. A simple green salad and crusty bread pair well. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens each bite.

how to store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Use room temperature chicken so it cooks evenly.
Do not overcook the pasta. Cook to al dente for best texture.
Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrition. For more ideas on using cooked chicken in other meals, see this shredded chicken and gravy recipe that shows another way to use leftover chicken.

variation (if any)

Shrimp version: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side.
Spicy version: Add more Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Veggie version: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw fully before cooking and pat dry. Then season and cook as usual.

Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten free.

Q: How can I make it less spicy?
A: Use less Cajun seasoning in the chicken and sauce. Skip red pepper flakes and add a little sugar or more cream to balance heat.

Q: Can I cook everything in one pan?
A: You can cook chicken and sauce in one pan. Cook pasta separately. If you want a true one-pot method, try a one-pot recipe approach so the pasta cooks in the sauce.

Conclusion

For more Cajun pasta ideas and step-by-step photos, try this Cajun Chicken Pasta – The Wooden Skillet page which shows a similar bold recipe. If you want a one-pot or one-pan method, see this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo – Your Cup of Cake for an easy, low-cleanup version.