If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with a dish that’s as bold as it is comforting, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is for you! A creamy, smoky sauce hugs tender strips of Cajun-spiced chicken and colorful sautéed veggies, all tossed together with fettuccine for the ultimate one-pan meal. It’s got a fabulous kick, loads of texture, and just enough richness to keep you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, Cajun Chicken Pasta always finds a way to impress and satisfy.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this Cajun Chicken Pasta — the ingredients might be simple, but they each play a starring role in flavor and texture. From juicy chicken to crunchy peppers and a velvety sauce, every element just belongs.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced into strips for quick, even cooking and easy bites.
Cajun seasoning: The bold heart of this recipe, infusing the chicken with smoky, spicy flavor.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken golden and juicy with just a hint of richness.
Fettuccine pasta: Wide, flat noodles that soak up every bit of creamy, spicy sauce.
Butter: Adds a silky, luxurious touch to the sautéed vegetables and helps build the sauce base.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Sweet, colorful, and just the right amount of crunch to balance the creaminess.
Mushrooms: Bring a savory, earthy layer that makes every forkful a little more interesting.
Garlic: Aromatic and punchy; essential for flavor!
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, restaurant-worthy sauce.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce from being too thick, adding subtle depth.
Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and helps the sauce hug the pasta just right.
Smoked paprika: Doubles down on that warm, smoky undertone.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing out all those deep spices and creamy notes.
Fresh chopped parsley: Brightens things up as a fresh, colorful finishing touch.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions—usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Don’t overcook it; you want it just al dente so it holds up when tossed with that luscious sauce. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Grab your chicken strips and toss them thoroughly with Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece is beautifully coated—this is where the magic starts! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it lightly to keep it juicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Toss in the slices of red and yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes. The veggies should soften and get slightly caramelized, and you’ll start to smell that amazing garlic aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth right into the skillet with your veggies. Give it all a good stir, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika, then let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. It will thicken slightly and turn irresistibly creamy with a gorgeous golden hue.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now comes the best part! Add your cooked pasta and the Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly so the sauce coats every strand of fettuccine and every piece of chicken. Taste, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Serve your Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Cajun Chicken Pasta with a shower of chopped fresh parsley. You can also add an extra shave of Parmesan, a twist of black pepper, or a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a little extra drama and a burst of color right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta goes beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some garlicky, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every last drop of creamy sauce. A fresh cucumber or tomato salad offers a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spicy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Cajun Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls or colorful plates for a restaurant-style vibe. For a fun twist, spiral the pasta into neat nests using tongs or a fork, and arrange the chicken strips artfully on top. A scatter of parsley and peppers over the whole platter makes for an eye-catching centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Cajun Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an equally tempting lunch or snack the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta, although the sauce may change texture slightly after reheating. Make sure to cool the pasta completely, then portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your Cajun Chicken Pasta into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently until heated through. For microwave reheating, add a little splash of liquid, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring between each session for even warmth.

FAQs

How spicy is Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The level of heat depends mostly on your Cajun seasoning and how much you use. As written, it’s warmly spicy but not over-the-top. Feel free to dial the seasoning up or down to match your crowd’s tastes!

Can I substitute shrimp for chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp is a fantastic twist—just season it with Cajun spice, sauté quickly until pink, and continue with the recipe as written. It brings a beautiful seafood flair to your pasta night.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Fettuccine is classic, but you can easily use penne, linguine, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The important thing is to choose a pasta shape that can hold up to the creamy sauce and hearty toppings.

Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the regular fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as gluten-free pastas can vary.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese portion if you like. The flavor will still be deliciously vibrant!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend giving this Cajun Chicken Pasta a spot on your menu enough. It’s bold, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—sure to win over anyone lucky enough to grab a forkful. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a dinner party showstopper, go ahead and make it your new favorite!

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a spicy and creamy delight with this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender strips of seasoned chicken mingle with colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and a decadent Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with fettuccine for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Chicken:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare fettuccine according to package instructions.
Sear the Chicken: Coat chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden.
Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, cook bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic.
Make the Sauce: Add cream, broth, Parmesan, and paprika. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Toss pasta and chicken in the sauce. Season and garnish with parsley.