Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Veggies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Calories: ~620 per serving
If you love bold Southern-inspired flavors wrapped in a creamy, indulgent sauce, this Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your new obsession.
Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender linguine, sautéed vegetables, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together in one irresistible skillet. It’s spicy, creamy, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
This is the kind of dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant — but it’s ready in under an hour in your own kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about Cajun seasoning. It brings heat, smokiness, and depth without needing a dozen spices.
This pasta recipe delivers:
- Big, bold Cajun flavor
- Creamy, silky Parmesan sauce
- Perfectly cooked vegetables
- Balanced heat with customizable spice level
- Family-friendly comfort food vibes
If you enjoy Southern comfort meals like This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort or cozy pasta dishes like Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce, this creamy Cajun pasta deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Pasta & Sauce
- 300g linguine or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Protein Swaps:
- Shrimp for a seafood twist
- Salmon chunks for a richer flavor
- Sliced sausage for extra smokiness
Make It Lighter:
Use half heavy cream and half milk.
Gluten-Free Option:
Swap in gluten-free pasta.
Veggie Variations:
Zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook linguine or fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Cajun Chicken
Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, melt butter.
Add onion and cook until softened.
Stir in garlic, bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken stock.
Add paprika, chili flakes (if using), and grated Parmesan.
Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken — remove it as soon as it’s done.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Add pasta water slowly — it helps emulsify the sauce beautifully.
- Taste before adding extra salt — Cajun seasoning and Parmesan already add saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted asparagus
If you love cozy, satisfying dinners, you’ll also want to try:
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: ~620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Veggies brings together heat, richness, and comfort in every bite. It’s bold enough for spice lovers but balanced enough for the whole family.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or just upgrading a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor without complicated steps.
If you make it, let me know — did you turn up the heat or keep it mild? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.
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