As the crisp air of fall sets in and golden leaves blanket the sidewalks, there’s nothing more satisfying than gathering around a hearty, homemade meal. One of the most requested dishes in our kitchen this season? Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish is the perfect blend of rich creaminess, smoky spices, and tender chicken—making it a weeknight hero and weekend indulgence alike.
Whether you’re curled up after a long day or planning a casual dinner for family and friends, this one-pan wonder brings the warmth and flavor of the season straight to your table. With just the right kick of Cajun seasoning and a luxuriously smooth sauce, it’s no surprise this recipe is quickly becoming a reader favorite.
Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell amazing!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta blends smoky Cajun spices with rich cream, tender chicken, and sautéed peppers for the ultimate cozy-meets-bold weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- Salted water for boiling
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
- Extra grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and onion, sautéing for 1–2 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken. Add pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest sauce. Add cayenne for extra heat or swap chicken for shrimp. Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully with a splash of cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful pasta dish from scratch. Most items are pantry staples with a few fresh additions.
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra color)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- Salted water for boiling
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra grated parmesan
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Here’s how to bring it together:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken
- Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add garlic and onions, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in bell peppers and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, paprika, and thyme.
- Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Plate the pasta while hot.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
- Serve with warm garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
🌟 Tips for Success
Here are a few helpful pointers to make sure your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every time:
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Cook the chicken in batches: Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: It helps emulsify the sauce and gives it that silky texture.
- Adjust spice level: Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat—or reduce it for a milder dish.
🍝 Variations to Try
This recipe is delicious as written, but it’s also easy to customize based on your needs and preferences:
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (brown rice, chickpea, or lentil-based pasta works well).
- Double-check that all spices and cheeses are gluten-free.
Veggie-Forward Twist:
- Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta:
- Swap the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
Make It Lighter:
- Use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter sauce.
- Go easy on the cheese or opt for a reduced-fat version.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your pasta without losing flavor:
Refrigeration:
- Let the pasta cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing:
- Although the cream sauce may slightly separate, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
🍂 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is everything comfort food should be—warm, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular night into something special, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or to impress guests, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your fall rotation.
Gather your ingredients, light a fall-scented candle, and let the aroma of sizzling chicken and creamy spices fill your home. You deserve a cozy night in with a bowl of something truly delicious.