Need dinner on the table in 20 minutes? You’ve come to the right place. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking one pot, bold spices, and a creamy sauce that coats every single noodle. Let’s ditch the takeout menus and make something incredible together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is your secret weapon for busy weeknights. First, it’s incredibly fast. You can go from zero to dinner hero in the time it takes to watch half a sitcom. Second, it uses smart shortcuts. We’re leveraging pre-made Cajun seasoning to skip measuring ten different spices. Finally, cleanup is a dream. You’ll primarily use one single skillet. No towering stacks of dirty pans here!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your efficient shopping list. I’ve noted the key shortcut items that make this recipe a weeknight lifesaver.
| Ingredient | Notes & Shortcuts |
|---|---|
| 8 oz Penne Pasta | Or any short pasta you have! |
| 1 lb Chicken Breast | Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. |
| 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning | The ultimate shortcut! Use a store-bought blend. |
| 1 tbsp Olive Oil | For sautéing. |
| 1 Onion, diced | Adds a sweet, savory base. |
| 3 cloves Garlic, minced | Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch. |
| 1 cup Chicken Broth | Adds depth to the sauce. |
| 1 cup Heavy Cream | For that luxurious, creamy texture. |
| 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated | Freshly grated melts best. |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste. |
Substitutions & Variations
No time for the store? No problem. Use what you have. Swap chicken for shrimp or sliced sausage. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce. Don’t have penne? Fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni work perfectly. You can even use a dairy-free cream alternative. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every single time.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, toss the cubed chicken with the Cajun seasoning until thoroughly coated.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the creamy Cajun sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Success
Let’s work smarter, not harder. Multitask efficiently: Start boiling your pasta water first. While it heats, you can chop your onion and garlic. While the pasta cooks, you can cook the chicken. This parallel processing shaves precious minutes off your total time. For meal prep, you can pre-cut your chicken and store it with the Cajun seasoning in a zip-top bag in the fridge. When dinner time hits, you’re already three steps ahead!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb the sauce, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to a skillet over medium heat. Stir until it’s warm and saucy again. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce can separate upon thawing.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Keep your sides as quick as the main event! A simple bagged kale Caesar salad is a perfect pairing. Alternatively, some garlic bread from the freezer aisle toasted in the oven adds a satisfying crunch. Steamed broccoli or green beans from the microwave steamer bag are also fantastic, fast options.
FAQs
Can I make this Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the components. Cook the chicken and make the sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply cook fresh pasta and combine everything in a warm skillet.
How spicy is this creamy pasta dish?
The spice level depends entirely on your Cajun seasoning blend. Many store-bought blends offer a mild to medium heat. For a milder dish, use less seasoning. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hot Cajun blend.
Can I use a different protein?
Of course! Andouille sausage or large shrimp are excellent substitutes for the chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp will cook in just 2-3 minutes per side.
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. You can also use a lower-fat Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Makes 4 servings. The following is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~580 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~48g |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Fat | ~26g |
| Saturated Fat | ~14g |