The Creamiest Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe For Spicy Food Lovers

Whipping up a mouthwatering cajun chicken pasta can transport you straight to the vibrant streets of new orleans.

Spices dance across tender chicken pieces, creating a symphony of flavors that ignite your taste buds.

Boldly seasoned and incredibly satisfying, this dish promises a culinary adventure in every single bite.

Layers of creamy sauce meld perfectly with zesty cajun spices, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with passionate cooking techniques.

Comfort meets excitement in this irresistible recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Dive in and let your cooking skills shine with this incredible meal that everyone will crave.

Why Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Is Delightful

• Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinner: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience with bold Cajun flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Quick and Satisfying Cooking: Create a delicious, hearty pasta dish in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize to Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping cream options, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a creamy, zesty pasta that appeals to both family members and guests, making it ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight family dinners.

Ingredients For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides the primary meat component and absorbs the Cajun seasoning flavors.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the hearty base for this creamy Cajun dish.

• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend that delivers bold, zesty Louisiana-style taste.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Ingredients that add depth and subtle heat to the overall dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Mushrooms: Aromatic vegetables that contribute texture and complementary flavor profiles to the pasta.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy liquids that create a rich, smooth sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami cheese that adds complexity and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for sautéing vegetables and chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

How To Prepare Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop pasta into the water and cook until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain the pasta completely and set aside.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Generously coat chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-covered with the spicy blend.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers

Cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Introduce sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they start to brown and release their moisture.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Transfer seasoned chicken into the skillet with sautéed vegetables.

Cook chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir the liquids together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat and allow the sauce to simmer, thickening for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand with the creamy sauce.

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and freshness.

Step 8: Customize Your Dish

For extra heat, increase Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

Want a lighter version?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.

Complement the meal with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread.

Tips For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat level, starting with less and adding more gradually to suit your taste preference.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter, less caloric sauce without compromising flavor.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant texture when mixed with the sauce.
• Ensure mushrooms are browned properly by avoiding overcrowding the skillet, which helps develop rich, deep flavors.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu to create delicious variations of this versatile pasta dish.

Flavor Ideas For Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Veggie Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same Cajun seasoning and cooking method for protein-rich vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning contains no wheat-based ingredients, maintaining authentic flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping creamy sauce and Cajun spices intact.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Suggested Pairings For Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Zesty Side Kick: Pair the pasta with a crisp caesar salad topped with crunchy croutons for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
• Bread Buddy: Serve warm, garlic-buttered crusty French bread on the side to soak up every delicious drop of the spicy Cajun sauce.
• Wine Companion: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's bold Cajun flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous pop of color and freshness.

Storage Guidelines For Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Cream-based sauces may slightly separate when thawed.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme, originating from Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-fat version of the sauce.

• How spicy is this Cajun chicken pasta?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes you use. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less of these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Cajun chicken pasta brings spicy Southern comfort to your dinner table, blending bold flavors with creamy sauce. Peppers, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned noodles promise a delightful meal you’ll savor until the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 10 ounces (284 grams) cremini mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon powdered garlic (or 1 fresh clove, minced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until translucent, about 4 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they release moisture and start to caramelize, roughly 3-4 minutes.
5. Introduce seasoned chicken to the vegetable mixture, cooking for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
6. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a harmonious sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken.
7. Incorporate cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
10. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
11. Optional: Enhance heat levels by adding extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
12. Consider serving alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to complement the dish’s rich flavors.

Notes

• Customize the Cajun seasoning blend by mixing your own combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and dried herbs for a personalized spice profile.
• Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and juicier meat that absorbs the Cajun flavors more effectively.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea, rice, or zucchini noodles that maintain a similar texture and absorb the creamy sauce well.
• Reduce the calorie content by swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative, which still provides richness without excessive fat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg