If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy dinner that comes together in less than an hour, the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe absolutely delivers. This dish marries smoky-spicy Cajun flavors with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce—all cozied up with your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, every forkful promises bold, creamy comfort that feels both special and effortless. Get ready: this is the kind of meal that earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to bring the magic of the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe to life with a handful of powerful, flavorful ingredients. Each one earns its spot—bringing heat, color, richness, or a pop of fresh finish to the plate. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender strips soak up the Cajun seasoning and stay juicy in the creamy sauce.
- Cajun seasoning: The heart of the recipe—delivering a zesty, savory, and just-spicy-enough kick.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky texture and helps everything brown beautifully in your skillet.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Both shapes work brilliantly; they hold onto every drop of that creamy sauce.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet and vibrant, it adds a burst of color and crunch.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a subtle, slightly grassy flavor and more colorful flair.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves pack a punch and infuse the sauce with irresistible aroma.
- Heavy cream: The key to that velvety, rich sauce you’ll want to savor by the spoonful.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from becoming too thick or heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and, when melted, pure creamy gold.
- Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors into perfect balance—always season to taste.
- Fresh parsley: That finishing pop of green makes every plate look restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add in your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta, and cook just until al dente—this keeps the pasta perfectly toothsome for tossing later. Once done, drain and set aside, giving it a quick toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking if desired.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your sliced chicken breasts and toss them in the bold Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece is gorgeously coated—this is where all that fiery, savory flavor really infuses the meat, turning plain chicken into something irresistible.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, letting it shimmer before adding the chicken. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, turning halfway through, until each strip is beautifully browned on the outside and cooked through. Scoop the chicken out onto a plate and keep it warm for the next step.
Step 4: Cook the Peppers and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften and brighten in color. Add the minced garlic and cook for just thirty seconds—enough to release its aroma without burning.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using a sturdy spoon to gently loosen any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy, watching the sauce thicken up and become silky.
Step 6: Finish and Toss
Return the chicken (along with any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let everything mingle for another 2–3 minutes. Finally, add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly, making sure every noodle is swathed in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, then get ready to serve hot!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe like a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. The parsley brings color and a hint of freshness, while an extra touch of cheese gives every plate that restaurant-style appeal.
Side Dishes
This hearty meal really shines alongside a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a loaf of crusty bread perfect for mopping up the last bits of sauce. If you want to lean into those bold Cajun flavors, a side of buttery corn or sautéed green beans rounds things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To take it up a notch for special occasions, serve the pasta in individual bowls with towering piles of chicken and colorful peppers on top, or place everything on a large platter and let guests help themselves family-style. For a hand-held appetizer twist, stuff leftovers into mini bell pepper boats or spoon into baked potato halves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors get even richer as they settle in together.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to one month if packed tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently to bring the sauce back to life; adding a splash of cream or broth can help restore its silky texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low with a tablespoon or two of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Warm gently, stirring frequently, until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but go low and slow to avoid drying out the chicken or curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are stars in this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, you can swap in your favorite pasta shape—rotini, linguine, or even spaghetti will soak up the sauce just as well.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level really depends on your Cajun seasoning and how much you use. Start with two tablespoons for a medium kick, and always taste as you go—if you love extra heat, a sprinkle of cayenne or a few sliced jalapeños does the trick.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can! Substitute unsweetened coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep the creamy texture without the dairy. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
What vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers are classics, but this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe welcomes mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Sauté them with the peppers for the best texture and flavor.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! If you’re worried about the spice level for little ones, use a mild Cajun blend or cut back on the seasoning. The creamy sauce and colorful peppers tend to win over even picky eaters.
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you try this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a crave-worthy favorite in so many homes. Whip it up for family dinner or share with friends, and don’t forget to put your own spin on it. The bold flavors and comforting creaminess make every bite a little celebration. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring a taste of Cajun flair to your own kitchen!
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe with tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt for pasta water
For the Sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook bell peppers until tender. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
