If you’re anything like me, you love a dinner that hits that sweet spot between comfort food and bold, punchy flavor. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s rich, spicy, and downright satisfying—everything you want after a long day or when you’re hosting friends and need a reliable crowd-pleaser.
The first time I made this dish, I was just experimenting with what I had on hand: some chicken, pasta, cream, and a drawer full of spices. The result? A creamy, smoky, and just-spicy-enough pasta that now lives in my regular dinner rotation.
Let me walk you through why this recipe works, how I make it, and a few tweaks that make it even better depending on the vibe.
Why I Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
There’s a reason this pasta became a regular in my kitchen:
- The chicken is flavor-packed: Cajun spices, garlic, and paprika give it a punchy, savory crust that holds up beautifully against the creamy sauce.
- The sauce is luxuriously smooth: A combo of heavy cream and Parmesan brings richness, while diced tomatoes and bell pepper give it just enough texture and acidity.
- It’s adaptable: Want more heat? Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a lighter version? Sub in half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Everything comes together in one pan: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup. A weeknight win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins)
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne (I switch it up depending on my mood)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh work)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more if you like heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
I start by seasoning the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the spice blend—it creates that beautiful crust when seared.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I add olive oil and sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, I set it aside to rest. This part’s important—letting the chicken rest keeps it juicy. After five minutes, I slice it into strips.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken rests, I cook the pasta according to package instructions. I like rigatoni because it holds the sauce in all those ridges, but penne or fusilli work great too. Once al dente, I drain it and set it aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet I cooked the chicken in (because flavor), I add more olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until they’re soft and fragrant. Then I add the garlic and cook for just a minute—don’t let it burn.
Next, I pour in the heavy cream, stirring in the Parmesan until it melts into the sauce. The diced tomatoes go in next, along with a touch more Cajun seasoning. I simmer everything on low for about five minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine and Serve
Once the sauce is creamy and rich, I add the cooked pasta and toss until every piece is coated. Then I top the whole thing with the sliced chicken and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add an extra dusting of Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and kick.
Tips to Take It Even Further
- Blacken the chicken: If I want more smoky depth, I sear the chicken just a little longer until the outside caramelizes a bit. It adds great flavor and color.
- Make it extra creamy: Want it thicker? Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or reduce the cream a bit longer before adding the pasta.
- Try it with shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp if I’m feeling seafood. Same seasoning, quick cook time, and a totally different vibe.
- Veggie twist: I sometimes add spinach or mushrooms in the sauce to round things out. Great way to sneak in extra greens.
What I Serve It With
This pasta is a meal on its own, but when I want to round things out:
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette for sauce-mopping (trust me—you’ll want every drop).
- A glass of chilled white wine or even a crisp lager goes beautifully with the spice.
FAQs (Because I Know You’ll Ask)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sauce and chicken ahead, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.
Q: How spicy is it?
A: Medium. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half the Cajun seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: You can, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. Half-and-half is a better swap if you want something lighter.
Q: Does it reheat well?
A: It does! I just add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce back up.
Why This Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s easy, it’s indulgent, and it’s packed with flavor. I love how the Cajun spice plays off the creamy sauce, and the seared chicken adds just the right amount of heft to make it satisfying without being too heavy.
Plus, once you get the base down, you can tweak it a hundred ways—change the protein, switch up the veggies, adjust the heat. It’s a recipe that grows with you.
If you end up making this one, let me know how it turns out. And if you put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear what you did differently. After all, the best recipes are the ones that evolve with our cravings.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more if you like heat)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta!
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