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My Family’s Favorite Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Some weeknights feel like a whirlwind. Between soccer practice, homework, and the endless chorus of “Mom, what’s for dinner?” it can be tough to get a meal on the table that everyone will actually eat. On one of those particularly chaotic Tuesdays, I discovered the magic of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
I needed something fast, something flavorful, and something that wouldn’t leave me with a mountain of dishes. This recipe was the answer. The moment the zesty aroma of Cajun spices and garlic filled the kitchen, the mood in the house shifted. Suddenly, everyone was gathered around, eagerly waiting for a taste.
The first bite was pure comfort—perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce with just the right amount of spicy kick. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the bell peppers added a pop of color and sweetness. It was a restaurant-quality meal made right in my own kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Now, this easy Cajun pasta is a staple in our home. It’s the recipe I turn to when I want to show my family some love through a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I know your family will love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta just as much as mine does.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Beyond being absolutely delicious, there are so many reasons this spicy chicken pasta will become a go-to in your meal rotation. It’s a true weeknight wonder!
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have this incredible meal on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you’re short on time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of bold Cajun seasoning, savory garlic, and rich cream creates a complex and irresistible sauce. It’s a little smoky, a little spicy, and a whole lot of delicious.
- Customizable Heat: You are in complete control of the spice level. You can easily dial the heat up or down by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your family’s preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike devour this dish. The creamy sauce tempers the spice, making it appealing to a wide range of palates. My three little ones always ask for seconds!
- Better Than a Restaurant: Why go out when you can make a pasta dish this good at home? It tastes like an indulgent meal from your favorite Italian restaurant but is made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Penne Pasta | 12 oz | You can also use fettuccine, rotini, or bow-tie pasta. |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1.5 lbs | Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs work well, too. |
| Cajun Seasoning | 2-3 tbsp | Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own! Adjust to your spice preference. |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing the chicken and vegetables. |
| Bell Peppers | 2 (1 red, 1 green) | Thinly sliced. Use any color you like! |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium | Diced. |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me. |
| Chicken Broth | 1/2 cup | Used to deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce. |
| Heavy Cream | 1.5 cups | This creates that signature rich and creamy sauce. |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup | Freshly grated melts best and has the best flavor. |
| Fresh Parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped | For garnish and a touch of freshness. |
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it up:
- Change the Protein: This dish is fantastic with shrimp or sliced andouille sausage. For shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking, as they cook very quickly. For sausage, simply brown it and set it aside with the chicken.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and load up on veggies! Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the end) are all wonderful additions.
- For a Lighter Sauce: You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious. I don’t recommend using milk, as it can curdle.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli florets, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers all work beautifully.
- Use Gluten-Free Pasta: Simply swap the penne for your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. Cook it according to the package directions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing Cajun chicken pasta right at home. I recommend reading through all the steps before you begin.
- Cook the Pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Before you drain the pasta, be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is a secret weapon for perfecting the sauce later! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, place your bite-sized chicken pieces in a medium bowl. Sprinkle them with about 1.5 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where so much flavor lives! Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes. Next, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Bring It All Together: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in that glorious creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want a pinch more salt or another dash of Cajun spice. Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for Success
Follow these little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your pasta turns out perfectly every single time.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook a little bit more when you toss it in the hot sauce, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- The Magic of Pasta Water: I can’t stress this enough—save that pasta water! The starches in the water help the cream sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to every noodle. It’s the key to a silky, non-greasy sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of Parmesan cheese yourself will result in a much creamier, more luxurious sauce.
- Get Everything Ready First: This recipe moves quickly once you start cooking. I always chop my vegetables, measure my ingredients, and cut the chicken before I even turn on the stove. This French technique, called “mise en place,” makes the whole process stress-free.
- Taste As You Go: Different brands of Cajun seasoning have different salt levels and heat. Start with a smaller amount, then taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Storage & Reheating Tips
This pasta makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to enjoy later.
Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as dairy-based sauces can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Reheating: The sauce will thicken considerably in the fridge. The best way to reheat this pasta is on the stovetop. Place the desired portion in a small saucepan over low-medium heat.
Add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or even a little water to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently and frequently until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, but the stovetop method yields a much creamier result.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but if you want to round it out, here are a few simple sides that pair beautifully:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce.
- Warm, crusty garlic bread or a baguette for soaking up every last drop of the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Steamed or roasted green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for an extra serving of vegetables.
FAQs About This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I make this spicy chicken pasta ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely do some prep ahead of time to make dinner even faster. You can chop the vegetables and chicken and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
You can also pre-cook the pasta, toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and store it in the fridge. However, I recommend making the sauce right before you plan to serve it for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Sautéed shrimp are a classic choice and cook in just a few minutes.
Sliced andouille sausage adds a wonderful smoky flavor. For a meatless option, try adding sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or even a plant-based chicken alternative.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it can be! The key is to control the spice level. When making it for my kids, I use a mild Cajun seasoning or simply reduce the amount.
The creamy sauce does a great job of mellowing the heat, making it very palatable for little ones. You know your family’s spice tolerance best, so adjust accordingly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half. It will still be creamy and delicious. Evaporated milk can also work in a pinch.
For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk can be used, but be aware that it will impart a subtle coconut flavor to the dish. Cashew cream is another great dairy-free alternative.
My sauce is too thick/thin, how do I fix it?
This is an easy fix! If your sauce is too thick, simply stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer on low for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a little more Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken it as it melts.
Can I make my own Cajun seasoning?
Of course! It’s easy to make your own custom blend. A simple recipe is to combine 3 tablespoons of paprika (smoked is great!), 2 tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
Mix it all together and store it in an airtight jar. You can adjust the cayenne to control the heat!
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate calculated for one serving (assuming the recipe makes 6 servings). Actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 kcal |
| Protein | ~45g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Sodium | ~1100mg |
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For more information: make your own