reamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home!)
If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and restaurant-quality dinners that come together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight recipe.
It’s rich, slightly spicy, incredibly comforting, and tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant — but you can make it right in your own kitchen with simple pantry ingredients.
The best part? It looks impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Packed with bold Cajun flavor
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Ultra creamy, silky sauce
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Ready in about 30 minutes
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Perfect for busy weeknights
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Feels fancy but is super easy
This is one of those recipes that makes people ask for seconds (and the recipe).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
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8 ounces penne pasta (or fettuccine)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season and Cook the Chicken
Slice the chicken into strips.
Toss with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
Sauté the bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Add heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
5️⃣ Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
Toss everything together until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Pasta
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken — it should stay juicy.
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
✔ Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance.
✔ Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and flavor.
How Spicy Is It?
Cajun seasoning has a little kick, but it’s not overwhelming.
If you prefer mild flavor:
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Use less Cajun seasoning
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Add a splash of extra cream
If you love heat:
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Add red pepper flakes
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Use spicy Cajun blend
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
Add a splash of milk or cream before warming to keep the sauce creamy.
What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish pairs beautifully with:
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Garlic bread
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Caesar salad
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Roasted asparagus
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A glass of white wine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Cajun shrimp pasta is just as delicious and cooks even faster.
Can I make this lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
What pasta works best?
Penne and fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully, but any pasta shape works.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of bold flavor and creamy comfort. It’s quick enough for a busy Tuesday night but impressive enough to serve guests.
Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation.