There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a big bowl of Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta—every forkful is packed with bold flavors, silky sauce, and tender chicken with just the right kick. This comforting dish takes weeknight pasta to another level, delivering that restaurant-style experience at home in under an hour. Colorful bell peppers, perfectly seasoned chicken, and a creamy Parmesan sauce tie everything together while that Cajun punch brings serious excitement to your dinner table. If you’re searching for a recipe that wows both your taste buds and your guests, this is the one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients build such a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal. Every component plays a starring role in creating the rich taste, creamy texture, and colorful appeal of this Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips for hearty bites and maximum tenderness.
- Cajun Seasoning: This blend of spices is key for heat, spice, and authentic Louisiana flavor—don’t skimp or swap it!
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and sauté veggies, adding richness to each step.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that unmistakable aromatic depth to the sauce and veggies.
- Red & Yellow Bell Peppers: Sliced for crunch, sweetness, and a burst of color throughout the dish.
- Red Onion: Offers mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast in the pan.
- Heavy Cream: The real secret to that luscious, velvety sauce everyone craves.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a little savory backbone while balancing out the richness of the cream.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated, it melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and umami depth.
- Penne Pasta: Choose penne for its perfect sauce-catching ridges, but any short pasta works well.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness that partners perfectly with Cajun seasoning.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Sprinkle in for extra heat if you love a fiery finish!
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season every layer to bring out all the hidden flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a fresh, herby pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil—this is your pasta’s stage! Add a generous pinch of salt before stirring in the penne. Let it cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain it and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water just in case your sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken
Place chicken strips in a bowl and toss with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring—this gives you those golden, flavorful edges. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until just cooked through, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—that’s flavor gold), lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize at the edges.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up all those tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Give it all a good whisk and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to thicken. The aroma at this stage is utterly irresistible!
Step 5: Finish and Combine
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with all those savory juices. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together so the sauce lovingly coats every piece. Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, or a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Scatter with a shower of fresh parsley just before serving for that final pop of freshness.
How to Serve Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of brightness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a few more red pepper flakes to dial up the heat and color.
Side Dishes
Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments. Think warm, crusty bread for sopping up extra sauce, or a crisp garden salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Even a side of roasted asparagus or green beans will add welcome crunch and color, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your pasta in shallow bowls for a restaurant-style feel, or try plating family-style for a festive, shareable vibe. For parties, you can pile little nests of pasta onto tasting spoons or in ramekins—garnished lavishly, of course. No matter how you present it, those gorgeous colors and creamy sauce always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the next-day portion just as mouthwatering as the first. Just be sure to cool the pasta before sealing it to prevent excess condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze extra portions for a quick, flavorful dinner down the line. Spoon the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk along with the pasta to a skillet over low heat, gently stirring until warmed through. This brings back the sauce’s creaminess and keeps the chicken tender. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of liquid if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for holding onto that creamy sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. Just pick a pasta shape that cradles the sauce well and cooks up al dente.
Is this dish very spicy?
Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta has a noticeable kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you control the heat! Omit the crushed red pepper flakes or use a milder Cajun blend for a gentler experience, or add extra seasoning and hot sauce if you love it fiery.
Can I make it with shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Swap the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp and toss them with the Cajun seasoning. Shrimp cook very quickly—just 2 to 3 minutes per side—so add them after the veggies and cook until pink and opaque before moving on to the sauce.
Is the sauce supposed to be super thick?
The sauce should be creamy and coat the pasta well, but not heavy or gloopy. If it thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more chicken broth until it reaches your perfect consistency.
What’s the best way to add even more Cajun flavor?
Double up on the Cajun seasoning, or stir in a few drops of your favorite hot sauce while the sauce simmers. For an extra punch, you can even toss a few slices of spicy Andouille sausage into the pan along with the chicken!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta at home, you’re in for a delicious surprise! This recipe is a surefire way to bring big flavor and comfort to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or to impress your friends, one thing’s certain: everyone will be back for seconds. Grab those ingredients and enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!
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Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with this Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken strips are cooked in a creamy Cajun sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A touch of heat and a burst of flavors make this dish a favorite for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, peppers, and onion until softened. Add cream, broth, Parmesan, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss until well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
- This dish also works well with shrimp instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
