The Best Homemade Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser, packed with bold flavors and easy to make in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how the creamy sauce and spicy kick come together for a dish that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food.

Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, with simple steps and minimal cleanup.
Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat, balanced by a rich, creamy sauce.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Recipe

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce infused with Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken strips with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the bell peppers, onion, and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.

Equipment

Large pot (for pasta)
Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Cuisine

American, Cajun-inspired

Serving

4 servings

Nutrition

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish packed with protein and carbs. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 450

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 40g

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 620mg

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my Cajun chicken pasta with warm garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce! A fresh salad with crunchy greens and a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice balance to the rich flavors. Together, these sides make the meal feel complete without overpowering the star of the show.

Garlic Bread Pairings

When you’re digging into a plate of homemade Cajun chicken pasta, there’s nothing like a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to round out the meal. I love how the crispy edges soak up the creamy sauce, adding a rich, garlicky crunch to every bite. For extra flavor, try sprinkling Parmesan or fresh parsley on top before baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. It’s simple, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with the bold spices in the pasta. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this combo!

Fresh Salad Options

To balance the rich, spicy flavors of Cajun chicken pasta, a crisp, fresh salad can be just the thing. I love pairing it with a simple garden salad—lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The cool, crunchy veggies refresh your palate between bites. A Caesar salad works great too, with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss together a spinach salad with strawberries, almonds, and balsamic glaze. Honestly, any salad with fresh ingredients complements the pasta perfectly. It’s like giving your taste buds a little vacation from the heat while keeping the meal satisfying.