INTRODUCTION
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a warm and spicy pasta dish. It mixes tender chicken, cream sauce, and bold Cajun spices. This meal is quick to make and full of flavor. Many home cooks like it because it cooks in one pan and makes a cozy dinner. If you want a slow cooker idea, try a crock-pot creamy version that keeps the same great taste and makes dinner easy: crock-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a good choice for family nights, weeknight dinners, and for people who want a simple, tasty meal. The dish pairs well with a small salad or steamed vegetables. The sauce is rich and smooth, and the chicken adds protein to keep you full. This recipe uses easy steps and common ingredients so anyone can make it at home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for its simple steps and big flavor. The Cajun spice gives a warm and peppery kick. The cream and Parmesan make a smooth sauce that coats the pasta. The peppers and onions add color and a mild sweetness. You get a full meal in one pan with good balance of protein, starch, and vegetables.
This dish is also flexible. You can change the pasta type or add more vegetables. If you like a meaty twist, you can use a sausage version like this tasty Cajun sausage pasta for a different texture and flavor: Cajun sausage pasta. The recipe is easy to scale for more people and it reheats well for lunches.
HOW TO MAKE Cajun Chicken Pasta
This section explains the steps in clear, simple detail. Read each step before you start. Gather your ingredients and tools. Work in order and heat the skillet as directed. Keep the chicken pieces even so they cook at the same time. After cooking, let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. For a different pasta shape and cozy feel, you might like a cheesy rotini skillet that uses similar spices and cheese: cheesy Cajun garlic chicken rotini skillet.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs or a spatula
- Cheese grater (if you grate fresh Parmesan)
- Colander to drain pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 8 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, penne), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup bell peppers, sliced, 1 cup onions, sliced, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh parsley for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions, and sauté until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
HOW TO SERVE Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve this pasta hot from the pan. Put a good scoop on each plate so the sauce stays with the pasta. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top. A light green salad or steamed broccoli on the side keeps the meal balanced. If you like heat, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper. For a cleaner look, serve with lemon wedges to brighten the flavors.
Try to serve within 10 minutes of cooking for the best texture. The sauce will cling to warm pasta and taste richer when fresh. If you make it ahead, reheat gently to avoid breaking the cream sauce.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cajun Chicken Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce and bring back its creaminess.
You can freeze this dish, but cream sauces change texture a bit after freezing. To freeze, cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat slowly on the stove and stir well to recombine any separated sauce.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
- Add garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Offer lemon wedges at the table to cut through the cream and brighten the dish.
- For a family-style meal, place the skillet in the center and let everyone serve themselves.
You can also try other dishes that go well at dinner time. A classic comfort mashup such as a chicken pot pie pasta can be a nice choice for a different night: classic chicken pot pie pasta.
VARIATIONS
- Make it spicier: Add extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be added in step 4.
- Use shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook until just pink.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
- One-pot version: Cook pasta in the sauce for a one-pan meal. Use a little less liquid and watch the pasta closely.
These swaps keep the core flavor but change texture and richness to match your preference.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Add sliced pre-cooked chicken to the sauce in step 6 and warm through. Do not overcook.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine, penne, or rotini work well. Choose any pasta that holds sauce.
Q: Is Cajun seasoning the same as Creole seasoning?
A: No. Cajun seasoning is usually heavier on cayenne and black pepper, while Creole seasoning often includes herbs like thyme and oregano.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and check that your chicken broth and Cajun seasoning do not have gluten.
Q: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
A: Reheat on low heat and stir often. Avoid high heat after adding the cream.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Milk will make a thinner sauce. Use whole milk and add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cajun Chicken Pasta
You can do some work ahead to save time on the day you serve this dish. Season and cook the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Chop the peppers and onions and keep them in a sealed container. Cook the pasta and toss it with a little oil to stop sticking, then refrigerate. When you are ready to make the meal, reheat the chicken and pasta and finish the sauce in the skillet. This method cuts active time to about 15 minutes.
If you plan to freeze, do not mix the pasta with the sauce before freezing. Freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta. Thaw in the fridge and reheat the sauce gently, then add fresh-cooked or reheated pasta to keep the texture nicer.
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is rich, simple, and full of flavor. It is a great meal for weeknights and can be changed to fit your taste. For a one-pot video guide, see Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (with Video) – Budget Bytes, and for another take on this comfort dish, check this classic recipe from a popular food blogger: Cajun Chicken Pasta – The Pioneer Woman.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions, and sauté until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.