If you’re searching for a dish that truly delivers on bold flavor and irresistible creaminess, look no further than Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This recipe is a celebration of Cajun flair—tender strips of juicy chicken tossed with colorful bell peppers in a luscious, smoky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. A hint of heat, plenty of richness, and a bright finish from fresh parsley make it a weeknight dinner star you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re a pasta lover or a spice enthusiast, this pasta will quickly earn a spot in your personal favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is that it comes together with a short list of simple, easy-to-find ingredients, each one giving a meaningful note to the final plate. Freshness, a blend of textures, and deep savory flavor are all right here—you just need to know how they play their part!
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne are perfect shapes for holding onto that creamy sauce and letting the flavors shine in each bite.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced into strips for even cooking and maximum tenderness in every forkful.
- Cajun seasoning: This spice blend is the hero—use a good quality one for smoky, peppery, and garlicky notes (and adjust the heat to your liking).
- Olive oil: Brings just the right amount of richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the pan.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: These not only add gorgeous color but a sweet crunch that balances the spicy, creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Three cloves, freshly minced, infuse the dish with a deep, aromatic bite.
- Heavy cream: The base of the luscious sauce—trust us, this is where the comfort factor comes in.
- Chicken broth: Adds another layer of savory flavor and helps move the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for a nutty, salty finish that rounds out every element.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave even more heat, a quarter teaspoon takes things up another notch!
- Salt and black pepper: These simple seasonings tie everything together and let you fine-tune the taste at the end.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled just before serving, it brings a pop of color and bright flavor to the plate.
How to Make Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions. This is an easy step to multitask—once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set aside, saving a bit of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, generously season the chicken strips with half of your Cajun seasoning, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes. You want the chicken to be browned at the edges and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it—those tasty browned bits are gold!), toss in your red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Stir and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the peppers are slightly softened and smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and the red pepper flakes if you want a little extra punch. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked chicken (with any juices) and the drained pasta into your skillet. Gently toss everything together so the pasta and chicken soak up that dreamy sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes, continuously tossing to ensure every strand is coated and every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 6: Serving
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately and get ready for rave reviews! A final sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of black pepper is totally encouraged.
How to Serve Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Nothing beats the final touch of a bright, generous handful of chopped parsley on this vibrant pasta—it gives a fresh lift to the creamy sauce. For a more restaurant-style finish, try a little extra Parmesan or a pinch of additional Cajun seasoning right before serving.
Side Dishes
To let the Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta shine, choose simple but satisfying sides. Classic garlic bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce, while a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes your palate between bites. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the pasta in a large, shallow bowl so everyone gets a generous portion of sauce and chicken. Or, for a dinner party, twirl individual nests of pasta onto plates and top each with a few artfully placed strips of chicken and a shower of fresh herbs. Fresh lemon zest or lemon wedges on the side also bring a zippy contrast to the creamy richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen, and it will keep well for up to three days. A tight-fitting lid will help keep the pasta from drying out and will preserve its bold taste.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes can be a bit sensitive to freezing, you can still freeze leftovers if you have more than you can eat in a few days. Cool the pasta completely, transfer to individual portions in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir in the pan can bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen up the sauce as it warms. Stir gently until heated through and creamy again. For the microwave, reheat in short bursts, stirring in between, and add a little extra liquid as needed to retain that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I make Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with Cajun seasoning and the creamy sauce. Simply swap in peeled, deveined shrimp, cook them in the skillet just until pink and opaque, then proceed with the recipe as written.
Is there a way to make this pasta less spicy?
Of course! Just reduce the Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce as you go and dial back the heat to match your preference—there’s plenty of flavor even without the extra kick.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, you can! Penne and fettuccine both work wonderfully, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love. Short pastas hold the sauce beautifully, and even spaghetti adds a fun twist to Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries—half-and-half is a lighter alternative that still delivers a good amount of creaminess. You can also try whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. A little extra Parmesan can help compensate for the difference.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta! The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll be able to enjoy every spicy, creamy forkful without worry.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta enough—it’s bold, colorful, and pure comfort with every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for weeknights or special dinners alike. Gather your ingredients, turn up the heat in the kitchen, and treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you) to this Cajun-inspired delight!
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Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a satisfying dish that combines tender chicken strips with colorful bell peppers in a creamy Cajun-infused sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Others:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Season and cook chicken: Coat chicken with Cajun seasoning, brown in a skillet, and set aside.
- Sauté peppers and garlic: In the same skillet, cook peppers and garlic until tender.
- Prepare the sauce: Add cream, broth, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add chicken and pasta to the sauce, toss, heat through, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste for desired spice level.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
