Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed in a rich, silky cream sauce paired perfectly with al dente pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances spicy zest and creamy comfort, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning & Spices
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Broth
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Oils & Garnishes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season generously with Cajun seasoning to ensure every morsel bursts with spicy flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped bell peppers and minced garlic; sauté until tender and fragrant, which builds the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Add grated Parmesan cheese and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked pasta and the seared chicken back into the pan, tossing everything together so that every piece is wrapped in the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness before serving immediately while warm and indulgent.
Notes
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning—it’s the star of the dish and adds incredible depth.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firmer pasta holds up better when tossed in the sauce and absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, peppers, and herbs elevate the dish’s overall flavor compared to dried or pre-packaged alternatives.
- Sear Chicken Properly: Browning the chicken well develops a crust that adds texture and richness to the final meal.
- Don’t Overcook the Cream: Simmer gently to avoid curdling or separating and keep the sauce smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg