When craving a fast, flavorful dinner with a little bit of spice, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender chicken seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta to create a wholesome meal that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines the vibrant spices of Cajun cuisine with the rich indulgence of a creamy sauce. The blend of paprika, cayenne, oregano, and garlic powder brings the zest and warmth you expect from southern cooking but balanced delicately with cream and Parmesan cheese. Plus, this recipe makes use of simple ingredients that come together quickly, perfect for fast dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Add chicken to skillet and cook 5–7 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. Let simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Combine & Finish: Add chicken and cooked pasta to sauce. Toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook an additional 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy immediately with optional garlic bread or side salad.

Tips & Variations

Use shrimp instead of chicken for a Cajun seafood pasta.
Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter sauce options.
Spice it up with extra cayenne or hot sauce for heat lovers.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is a perfect side to mop up the creamy sauce. Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

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FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle spiciness, but you can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or hot sauce.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Penne is traditional, but rigatoni, linguine, or fusilli work well in this recipe.

How can I lighten this recipe?

Use half-and-half or a light cream alternative, and swap chicken for shrimp or more vegetables.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe brings fast, comforting, and delicious Cajun flavors to your table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, creamy meal with a kick. Add it to your recipe collection and savor the best of Cajun cooking right at home!