Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner? This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is ready in under 30 minutes!
With a rich, spicy sauce and tender chicken, it’s the ultimate comfort meal for busy nights.
You can easily customize it—swap the chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies.
This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making over and over again!
For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Penne Pasta – I like penne for this recipe, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer, like linguine or spaghetti.
- Cajun Seasoning – The key to the spicy, flavorful kick. You can use your favorite Cajun seasoning (I recommend “Slap Ya Mama”).
- Salt and Pepper – For balancing the flavor and seasoning the chicken and sauce.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – I prefer chicken breast for this dish, cut into bite-sized pieces, but you could also swap for shrimp.
- Butter – Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. The rich flavor it adds is a must!
- Yellow Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Bell Peppers – Red bell peppers work great, adding color and sweetness to the dish.
- Heavy Cream – This creates the rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika – A mild, smoky spice that enhances the flavor of the Cajun seasoning.
- Dried Basil – Adds a fragrant herbal note to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder – Gives a background depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, creamy finish to the dish.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) penne pasta, cooked and drained according to package instructions
- 4 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- ½ tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp salted butter, divided
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (red is a great choice)
- 1½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- n a large zip-top bag, combine 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chopped chicken to the bag, seal it, and shake until the chicken is well coated. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through (you may need to do this in batches). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once melted, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, remaining Cajun seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the cheese melts and the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, and optionally top with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
- Pasta: While penne works great here, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine.
- Seasoning: For the best Cajun flavor, I recommend using "Slap Ya Mama" Cajun seasoning.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the sauce may not be as creamy when reheated.
Nutrition
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great way to save time! Simply add it into the sauce during the final few minutes to warm through.
- What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make a substitute using a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While I love penne, any type of pasta will work here, whether it’s linguine, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just cook it according to the package instructions.
- How can I make it spicier?
To bring more heat, add a little extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Adjust to suit your taste!
- Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep it creamy.
