Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with al dente pasta smothered in a velvety, smoky cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, this comforting meal delivers a bold Southern-inspired flavor with a smooth, indulgent texture. Ideal for a satisfying dinner that can be easily customized with vegetables or seafood.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Salt, for the pasta water

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Optional Garnishes and Variations:

Red pepper flakes
Fresh lemon juice
Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
Shrimp (as substitute for chicken)

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to infuse bold flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temp). Remove and let rest.
Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Drain the Pasta: Drain pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning.
Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if too thick.
Add Chicken: Incorporate sliced chicken and toss gently to combine.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the richness of the sauce.
Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can be added for more nutrition.
Shrimp can substitute chicken for a seafood variation.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Cajun seasoning, quick chicken dinner, spicy cream sauce pasta