Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for Spicy Souls

Creamy, vibrant flavors dance through this spicy cajun chicken pasta that brings southern comfort right to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals never looked this exciting or tasted so bold.

Tender chicken pieces soak up robust cajun seasoning, creating a fiery symphony of taste.

Each twirl of pasta captures the rich, zesty sauce that makes this dish irresistible.

Peppers and onions add depth and color to every delectable bite.

Spice lovers will absolutely devour this quick and mouthwatering meal that comes together in less than thirty minutes.

Prepare to experience a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

For Protein:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and absorbs Cajun spices beautifully; choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers rich, nutty depth and creamy tang; select aged, high-quality cheese for maximum flavor impact.
For Flavor Builders:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend that brings bold, zesty Louisiana-style heat; look for authentic blends with balanced pepper and herb notes.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic pungency and depth; select firm, fresh cloves with no green sprouts for the most intense flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances all other ingredients; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum punch.
For Sauce and Texture:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base; choose high-fat content cream for ultimate richness.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation and deepens overall flavor profile; opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
  • Bell Peppers: Introduces vibrant color and slight sweetness; select crisp, bright-colored peppers at peak freshness.
  • Olive Oil: Delivers smooth cooking medium and subtle fruity undertone; choose extra virgin for best quality.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, herbal finish and visual appeal; select crisp, deeply green leaves for maximum flavor.
  • Pasta: Provides hearty base that absorbs creamy sauce; choose medium-sized shapes like penne or fettuccine for best sauce coating.

Tools To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and slicing chicken and vegetables.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping bell peppers and mincing garlic.
  • Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure Cajun seasoning and other ingredients.
  • Pasta Pot: Required for boiling and cooking pasta.

Steps To Cook Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Fire Up the Chicken

Dust chicken strips with zesty Cajun spice. Sizzle in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and perfectly cooked. Set aside your seared protein.

  • Awaken the Veggies

Toss bell peppers and minced garlic into the same skillet. Dance them around until they soften and release their aromatic magic.

  • Create Luxurious Sauce

Lower the heat and splash in cream and broth. Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning, stirring until the mixture bubbles with creamy potential.

  • Transform Pasta

Cook pasta until tender. Drain and prepare for its flavor adventure.

  • Marry the Flavors

Reunite the chicken, pasta, and Parmesan in the skillet. Swirl everything together, ensuring each morsel gets drenched in the velvety sauce. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

  • Celebrate Your Creation

Crown your dish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while the magic is hot and irresistible.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Tips You’ll Love

  • Spice Intensity Control: Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat preference, using less for mild or more for an extra kick.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 2 days, then quickly reheat and combine before serving.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
  • Protein Power Options: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for versatile meal transformation that keeps the signature Cajun taste.
  • Veggie Boost Technique: Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the dish.

Serving Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta With Flavor

  • Flavor Fiesta Plating: Serve this zesty pasta on large white plates to make the vibrant colors of bell peppers and golden chicken pop beautifully.
  • Sidekick Sensations: Pair with crisp garlic bread or a light Caesar salad to balance the creamy, spicy pasta and add extra texture to the meal.
  • Wine Companion Match: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the Cajun spices and cut through the rich cream sauce.
  • Leftover Lunch Hack: Transform remaining pasta into a cold pasta salad by adding diced fresh vegetables and a splash of extra virgin olive oil for a delicious next-day meal.

Save And Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Smartly

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.
  • Optimal Cooling Technique: Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator, preventing condensation and potential bacterial growth.
  • Smart Reheating Method: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent dryness.
  • Freshness Timeframe: Consume refrigerated Cajun chicken pasta within 3-4 days for best taste and quality, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
Print
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Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy cajun chicken pasta delivers a spicy Southern comfort with rich, bold flavors from Louisiana’s culinary traditions. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising you a satisfying meal that excites your taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning (divided)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Lavishly coat chicken strips with Cajun spice blend, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Protein Searing: Heat olive oil in skillet and expertly sear chicken strips, developing a golden-brown crust while preserving interior moisture. Remove chicken and reserve.
  3. Vegetable Transformation: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and garlic until peppers become slightly translucent, capturing the residual seasoned essence from chicken.
  4. Sauce Creation: Introduce heavy cream, chicken broth, and additional Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Simmer gently, whisking to develop a luxurious, smooth sauce with complex flavor profiles.
  5. Pasta Integration: Cook pasta to al dente perfection in a separate pot. Drain carefully, maintaining optimal texture and temperature.
  6. Final Composition: Reunite chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce in the skillet. Gently toss with Parmesan cheese, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated with the rich, spicy sauce.
  7. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and an elegant sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately, showcasing the dish’s vibrant colors and aromatic appeal.

Notes

  • Maximize Cajun Seasoning Impact: Generously coat chicken with Cajun spice blend, pressing seasoning into meat to ensure deep flavor penetration and consistent taste in every bite.
  • Balance Spice and Creaminess: Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to personal heat tolerance, allowing the cream sauce to mellow intense spiciness while maintaining robust flavor profile.
  • Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta precisely to al dente stage, avoiding overcooking to prevent mushy consistency and ensure pasta holds sauce effectively without becoming soggy.
  • Quick Sauce Management: Simmer sauce on medium-low heat to prevent separation, stirring consistently to maintain smooth, creamy texture and prevent burning or scorching of dairy components.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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