Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Veggies: The 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

By Jason Griffith

When the week hits a lull, and I need a dinner that’s both exciting and easy, I always turn to this Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Veggies. It’s comfort food that packs a punch—a restaurant-quality meal made in about 30 minutes, right in your own kitchen.

Forget ordering takeout. This recipe hits all the right notes: tender, spicy chicken, a rich, velvety cream sauce, and a healthy dose of fresh vegetables to balance the indulgence. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that delivers big, bold Southern-inspired flavor with minimal fuss.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve spent years refining my quick-dinner repertoire, and this Cajun pasta stands out for a few reasons.

• Speed and Efficiency: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes, with only 25 minutes of active cooking. It uses one main pan (after boiling the pasta), which is a huge win for cleanup.
• Big Flavor, Low Effort: The secret is the Cajun seasoning on the chicken. It creates a deeply seasoned, slightly crusty exterior that infuses the entire sauce with smoky, spicy warmth.
• A Hidden Veggie Boost: Unlike many creamy pasta dishes, this one is loaded with fresh vegetables—onions, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. They add texture, nutrients, and a welcome freshness to the rich sauce. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.
• The Perfect Balance: It’s creamy, thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan, but the chicken stock keeps it from being too heavy. The red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning give it a nice, controlled heat.

If you enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish with a Southern kick, you’ll also love my recipe for This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.

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🍽️ Ingredients List

Component	Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken	Chicken breast, diced	500g (about 1.1 lbs)	Dice into 1-inch pieces.
	Olive oil	2 tbsp	For sautéing.
	Cajun seasoning	1 tbsp	Use a good quality blend for best flavor.
	Salt & pepper	To taste
Pasta & Sauce	Linguine or fettuccine	300g	Or any long-cut pasta you prefer.
	Butter	2 tbsp	Helps sauté the aromatics.
	Onion, sliced	1 medium	Thinly sliced.
	Garlic cloves, minced	3	Don’t skimp on the garlic!
	Red bell pepper, sliced	1	Adds sweetness and color.
	Broccoli florets	1 cup	Small, bite-sized pieces.
	Sliced mushrooms	1 cup	Cremini or white button.
	Heavy cream	1 cup	Essential for that luxurious texture.
	Chicken stock	1/2 cup	Balances the richness of the cream.
	Grated Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup	Freshly grated is always best.
	Paprika	1 tsp	For color and smoky depth.
	Red chili flakes	1/2 tsp (optional)	Adjust to your preferred spice level.
	Fresh parsley, chopped	For garnish

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🧅 Swaps and Notes

• Protein Swap: This recipe works beautifully with shrimp or even sliced pork sausage. If using shrimp, cook it for only 2-3 minutes per side and set aside, adding it back in at the very end.
• Cream Reduction: To lighten the dish slightly, use 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk instead of all heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add tender greens like spinach right before tossing the pasta, allowing them to wilt into the hot sauce.
• Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, halve the red chili flakes or omit them entirely. If you want more fire, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning blend.

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🧑‍🍳 How to Cook (Step-by-Step)

Step	Instruction	Details
1.	Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 300g pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2.	Season and Cook Chicken: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3.	Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the sliced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4.	Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken stock. Add the 1 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp (optional) red chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5.	Finish the Sauce: Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
6.	Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta and the cooked Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
7.	Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente (slightly firm). Since it will be tossed in a hot sauce, it will continue to cook slightly, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
• Fresh Grated Parmesan is Key: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Use fresh Parmesan for a silky, lump-free sauce.
• The Power of the Skillet: Don’t wipe out the skillet after cooking the chicken! The browned bits (fond) and residual Cajun seasoning left in the pan will dissolve into the butter and cream, adding incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Reserving the starchy pasta water is the ultimate chef hack. It helps emulsify the sauce (bind the cream and stock), giving it a velvety, professional finish.

🥂 Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This rich and flavorful pasta pairs best with simple, fresh sides and light drinks.

• Salad: A simple Caesar Salad or a fresh, crisp side salad with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Bread: Crusty Garlic Bread is essential for soaking up that incredible sauce.
• Beverage Pairings: Try a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, hoppy Pale Ale. For a fun, non-alcoholic option, my This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days is a perfect contrast.

📊 Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Component	Per Serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories	Approx. 620
Protein	Approx. 45g
Fat	Approx. 35g
Carbohydrates	Approx. 35g
Fiber	Approx. 4g

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Note: Nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips

This pasta is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers store well.

• Storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The sauce will inevitably thicken in the fridge. To reheat without drying it out, place the pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken stock (1/4 cup should do it) and stir gently as it heats through. The added liquid will help bring the sauce back to its original creamy consistency.
• Freezing: Freezing creamy, cheese-based pasta is generally not recommended as the sauce tends to separate and become grainy upon thawing.

🍝 More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this creamy, hearty weeknight meal, be sure to try these other fan favorites:

• For another simple chicken dinner: Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
• If you love a classic done right: Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
• And because every great meal deserves a killer dessert: The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Veggies is a guaranteed winner, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy date-night meal. It’s flavor-forward, incredibly satisfying, and quick enough to become a staple in your rotation.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your favorite ingredient swap, or tag me on social media.