Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta 🍗🌶️ Bold, Cheesy, and Incredibly Comforting

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that satisfies your craving for something spicy, rich, and completely crave-worthy. Juicy blackened chicken is sliced and served over rigatoni smothered in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce with sautéed peppers and onions. It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

---

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s restaurant-quality comfort food you can whip up at home in about 30 minutes. The blackened chicken adds smoky depth, while the creamy Parmesan sauce balances it all with a luxurious texture. You can easily customize it with shrimp, sausage, mushrooms, or spinach for endless variations.

---

Ingredients

For the Blackened Cajun Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cajun Pasta:

• 10 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

• Coat chicken breasts in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Sear in a hot skillet for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and blackened.
• Remove from heat and let rest, then slice thinly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add red bell pepper and onion, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

• Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

• Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Top with sliced blackened chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

---

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken—you want a juicy center and crisp blackened edges.
• Use good-quality Cajun seasoning or make your own for better flavor control.
• Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra texture and nutrients.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or spicy sausage for a fun variation.

---

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This rich pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo if you want to double down on Southern spice
• Beer Cheese Dip for a fun appetizer before dinner
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas for Tex-Mex fusion side vibes
• Dorito Casserole if you’re going bold all night
• Cheesy Hot Dip for a cozy, crowd-pleasing starter

---

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
• Avoid freezing—cream sauces can separate when thawed.

---

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re craving more bold, creamy, and spicy dishes, try:

• Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – Southern comfort in a bowl
• Dorito Casserole – cheesy, spicy, and weeknight-ready
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas – shareable and satisfying

---

Final Thoughts

Creamy, spicy, and absolutely mouthwatering—Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you make it for a weeknight meal or a weekend indulgence, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.

✨ Tried this recipe? Tag @chefmaniacrecipes or comment below—we love seeing your delicious creations!