If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors, creamy indulgence, and a bit of a spicy kick, you’re going to love this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, combining tender chicken seasoned with vibrant Cajun spices, a luscious sauce made rich with cream and Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta that carries every bit of that delicious sauce. Ready in just about 25 minutes, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building those layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe truly special.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced for quick cooking and a tender bite.
- Penne pasta: Holds onto that creamy Cajun sauce beautifully with its shape.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that packs heat and smokiness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and velvety.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings an umami kick and smooth melts into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures it has just the right bite to complement the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to wait for the star elements to come together.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then season your sliced chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping to get a beautiful golden brown on both sides. This step locks in the spices and juices, giving the dish its signature bold flavor. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine all these rich ingredients, letting them simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Using the skillet where you cooked the chicken adds layers of savory goodness from the bits stuck to the bottom.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Now it’s time for the magic moment: add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together so that every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy, spicy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. This step melds all the flavors together and makes the dish irresistibly saucy.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finish the dish with a taste test, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking. The seasoning here is crucial to balance out the creaminess and the Cajun spice. Serve immediately and get ready to dig into this deliciously easy, creamy Cajun chicken pasta!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top. The burst of green adds a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce and adds a pop of color that’s always inviting.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to sop up every last bit of that creamy sauce. You could also add steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus to balance the meal with some freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls for a rustic look, or elegant pasta plates for a fancier touch. For a fun twist, sprinkle some additional Cajun spice on top when plating or grate more Parmesan for extra indulgence just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken as it sits, so it might need a little loosening when reheated.
Freezing
This pasta dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces sometimes separate after freezing. If you plan to freeze, store it without the sauce and add fresh cream or milk when reheating to refresh the texture.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy, preventing it from drying out or clumping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding sauce, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work fabulously. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
How spicy is this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the Cajun seasoning, offering a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the seasoning amount or use milder Cajun blends for less spice.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep the cheesy flavor. The texture will differ, but it’s still delicious.
What can I do if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a simple Cajun blend by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. It’s easy to customize to your taste and keeps this recipe flexible.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my kitchen because it combines bold flavors, creamy goodness, and quick prep time like no other. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends with a homemade meal, this dish always brings comfort and delight. Give it a try and see how effortlessly it becomes one of your go-to recipes too!
Print
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender slices of Cajun-spiced chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or rigatoni.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance.
- For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid curdling the sauce.
