If you are craving a dish that combines bold spices, creamy indulgence, and comforting pasta all on one plate, look no further than this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It offers a perfect balance of smoky Cajun seasoning with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to every strand of penne pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe brings Southern charm right to your kitchen with a creamy, spicy twist everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor, appealing textures, and a colorful presentation. Each component plays an important role, whether adding creaminess, spice, or a satisfying bite.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Cooked al dente to provide the perfect chewy texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons butter: The base for sautéing, adding richness and helping meld flavors together.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced: Brings a pop of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- ½ yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced: Offers mild, juicy crunch and sunny brightness.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: A must-have aromatic for warmth and savory depth.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: The soul of this dish, it provides signature spicy, smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Enhances color and adds a subtle earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces bite and balances the heat.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates all other flavors evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle fiery kick without overwhelming.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The hearty protein that absorbs all those lively spices beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky texture sauce everyone loves.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and extra umami depth to the sauce.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Boosts creaminess and gives the sauce a dreamy consistency.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Introduces salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that adds a mild bite and vibrant green contrast.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to prevent sticking. Set this aside for later — it’s important that the pasta stays firm because it will soak up the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and gently sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, toss in the red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper over the veggies. Cook this mix until the peppers soften nicely, allowing the spices to bloom and the aroma to fill your kitchen. Now it’s time to introduce the chicken pieces to the skillet—cook them thoroughly until they’re golden and cooked through, soaking up those bold flavors along the way.
Step 3: Make Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth directly into the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Add the softened cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. This luscious sauce is where all of those wonderful spices meld together into something simply irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with your spicy creamy chicken mixture. Stir everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated in that rich Cajun sauce. Heat it all through for a minute or two to ensure warmth and maximum flavor absorption. Finish by sprinkling the chopped green onions on top – their fresh bite is the perfect finishing touch. Serve it hot and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is like the cherry on top, and with this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, fresh chopped green onions provide a crisp brightness that contrasts the creamy sauce. For an extra kick, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced jalapeños can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp sides. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers freshness, while garlic bread or warm crusty bread provides a comforting way to scoop up every last bit of that divine sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli can also add some healthy crunch and color to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe family-style in a large rustic bowl, putting a small bowl of extra Cajun seasoning on the side for those who want to turn up the heat. You can also plate it elegantly with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a twist of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy presentation right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the pasta into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. The flavors deepen overnight, so reheated portions can taste even better.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Package the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor as much as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick or dry. Stir frequently until heated evenly. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but stirring halfway through is key to avoid cold spots.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to keep the pasta al dente.
How spicy is this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
This recipe offers a moderate spice level that can easily be adjusted. If you prefer milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Definitely. Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu work well with this sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked and infused with flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s not by default because of the pasta, but you can easily make this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer on low heat to reduce and thicken, or stir in a little more cream cheese or Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute keeper — bursting with vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of spice to make every bite memorable. It’s a fantastic dish to share with family and friends or to treat yourself after a busy day. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness that only this recipe delivers.
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Description
This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with vibrant bell peppers and a blend of Cajun spices, all tossed in a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan sauce. Perfectly paired with al dente penne pasta and garnished with fresh green onions, this dish brings a zesty Southern flair to your dinner table in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Then add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture until the bell peppers soften. Next, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet and cook thoroughly until no longer pink inside.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Add the softened cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce has thickened to a rich, creamy consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat all the pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the dish hot for maximum flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less cream cheese.
- Ensure to cook the chicken completely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor; avoid pre-grated varieties for a creamier sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
