Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1″ pieces; 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided; ½ teaspoon salt divided; ½ teaspoon pepper divided; 8 oz penne pasta cooked according to package instructions and drained; ½ yellow onion diced; 2 bell peppers sliced (any color, red preferred); 3 Tablespoons salted butter divided; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and downright comforting, you need to try this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of spicy Cajun seasoning and a velvety cream sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be on repeat in your dinner rotation.

💚

Why This Recipe Works

Bold Flavor Kick: Cajun seasoning paired with smoked paprika gives this dish a warm, spicy depth without being overpowering.
Creamy Comfort: The heavy cream and parmesan combine to create a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
Quick & Easy: With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for guests.
Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples and fresh veggies make this recipe adaptable and foolproof.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipes, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Cajun Pasta Dinner - A white pan filled with pasta dish showing three main layers: the first layer is pale yellow penne pasta with a smooth texture, mixed evenly throughout; the second layer includes chunks of brown cooked meat scattered on top of the pasta; the third layer consists of thin red and orange bell pepper strips mixed throughout the dish; small green parsley leaves are sprinkled across the surface for garnish, and a wooden spoon is partially digging into the dish from the top left side. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partly underneath, and a silver fork is placed next to the cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The secret to this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe really lies in the harmony between the bold spices and the creamy sauce. Each ingredient brings a little magic, so choosing fresh and quality products will definitely elevate the final dish.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipes, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Cajun Pasta Dinner - Flat lay of cooked penne pasta, raw boneless skinless chicken breast pieces, a small mound of bright red sliced bell peppers, diced half yellow onion, a few sprigs of dried basil, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of Cajun seasoning, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, a portion of fresh parmesan cheese wedge, and a few tablespoons of salted butter placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Penne Pasta: Penne’s tubular shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape like linguine or fettuccine.
Cajun Seasoning: This is what brings the signature “kick,” so don’t skimp here—my favorite is “Slap Ya Mama” for a well-rounded blend.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless works best for even cooking and quick prep. Cutting it into bite-size pieces helps everything cook evenly.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables and chicken to golden perfection.
Yellow Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
Bell Peppers: I love vibrant red ones for color and sweetness, but any color you have on hand works well.
Heavy Cream: This is the star of your sauce, making it decadently smooth and creamy.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky undertone that takes the flavor profile to a new level.
Dried Basil & Garlic Powder: These round out the seasonings, adding fragrance and depth.
Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce and gives it that cheesy, savory finish.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love trying little twists on this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on my mood and pantry. Feel free to experiment with different veggies or spice levels—it’s all about making it your own delicious masterpiece.

Spicy Boost: Once, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper to really turn up the heat, and it was a hit with the spice lovers at my table.
Veggie Swap: Broccoli florets or zucchini slices can add some green and a crunchy contrast to the creaminess.
Chicken Alternatives: If you want to mix it up, shrimp works beautifully here too—just toss it in at the end to avoid overcooking.
Make it Lighter: Substituting half-and-half instead of heavy cream trims calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken Like a Pro

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a plastic bag or bowl with most of your Cajun seasoning, plus half the salt and pepper. This gives every piece that spicy coating when cooked. Pro tip: let it rest for 10 minutes if you can, even if you’re short on time—the flavors soak in better.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Set Aside

Boil your penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Nothing worse than dry pasta in creamy dishes!

Step 3: Brown the Chicken Until Juicy and Seared

Melt most of the butter in a large pan over medium heat, then spread out the chicken in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams. Cook until golden and just done—don’t overcook or it gets tough. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies and Build Your Sauce

Add the remaining butter to the pan, then toss in your onions and bell peppers. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until veggies soften and their sweetness comes out. Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, the last teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and the rest of the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer and let it thicken to that rich, creamy consistency you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Cheese and Pasta

Return the chicken to the pan, adding the drained pasta and fresh parmesan cheese. Stir everything gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta luscious. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it just a bit. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Browning: Achieving that golden color on chicken adds flavor and texture. If the pan’s too crowded, cook in batches.
Save Some Pasta Water: It’s magic for loosening sauce without watering down flavor.
Always Taste As You Go: Adjust seasoning little by little to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh cheese melts better and boosts that savory note compared to pre-shredded.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipes, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Cajun Pasta Dinner - The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish. The pasta is penne, light yellow in color, coated in a rich, smooth sauce. Mixed in are pieces of light brown cooked chicken and bright red and orange bell pepper slices. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The dish is also sprinkled with grated cheese and black pepper, which add texture and small contrasting colors. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—just enough to add a pop of color and freshness without overpowering the creamy sauce. If you want a little extra, a grating of parmesan on top never hurts.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite rich, so I like to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans to add balance and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this creamy Cajun chicken pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra fresh herbs and a dash of smoked paprika. It makes the presentation feel a bit more upscale and inviting when friends are over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs a lot of the sauce when stored, so it won’t be quite as creamy when reheated, but it still tastes great.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, I’ve found that the cream sauce sometimes separates when thawed. If you want to freeze it anyway, do so without the pasta, then cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of heavy cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving works but be careful not to overcook or dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Penne is great for holding the sauce, but you can easily substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even bow tie pasta. Just cook according to package instructions and use your favorite shape.
How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The dish has a mild to medium spice level from the Cajun seasoning and paprika. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning to taste. If you prefer mild, reduce the seasoning slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer to make it dairy-free, but the texture will differ. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
What sides pair well with Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Fresh green salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or even a light slaw balance the richness perfectly and enhance your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a total favorite in my kitchen because it’s straightforward but delivers those big, comforting flavors we all crave. I love how the spicy, creamy sauce never fails to impress, and it cooks up quickly when I’m short on time. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it just like I do—so go ahead, grab your skillet, and get ready for some seriously satisfying pasta night!