Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced white onion; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 4 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon paprika powder; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper**, more or less depending on taste; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded; 1 cup heavy cream, or half and half; 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; ¼ cup chicken broth

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. Velvety, spiced sauce clings to tender pieces of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with pops of sweet bell pepper, onion, and heaps of Parmesan. The best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a go-to solution when you crave restaurant-quality flavor without leaving your own kitchen!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to any memorable Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is starting with the right ingredients. Each element is chosen for its power to elevate taste, provide satisfying texture, or deliver extra color. Here’s what you’ll gather for your masterpiece:

12 ounces penne pasta: Perfect for catching all that creamy Cajun sauce in every bite.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies to soft, golden perfection.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and deepens the flavor base.
1 cup diced white onion: Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch to balance the spice.
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced: Adds sweetness, color, and a refreshing bite.
4 large cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic backbone of this dish—don’t hold back!
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that gives the dish its signature kick and character.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a soft herbal aroma, rounding out the robust flavors.
1 teaspoon paprika powder: Bold red color and smoky undertones, essential for depth.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds heat and earthiness that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances and lifts all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Controls the fire; dial it up or down to suit your spice preference.
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs add juiciness, breasts are classic—both work beautifully.
1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded: Melts into the sauce, creating that irresistible cheesy tang.
1 cup heavy cream, or half and half: The silky, luscious base that ties it all together.
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature: For extra creaminess and body in your sauce.
¼ cup chicken broth: Deepens the flavor and helps the sauce reach just the right consistency.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling 6 cups of water in a large pot. Add the penne and cook it according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside. This means your pasta stays the perfect texture and won’t stick together while you work on the rest of the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta is doing its magic, heat up the butter and olive oil in another large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent. You’re laying the foundation for flavor here, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Veggies and Spices

Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic, then sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, dried basil, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 3 minutes, just until the bell pepper softens and the spices become fragrant. The aroma will make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot, stirring so they’re well coated with all the buttery, seasoned goodness. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. This step infuses the chicken with tons of flavor.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now’s the moment where magic happens—toss in the shredded parmesan, heavy cream, room temperature cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir well, making sure the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes so the sauce thickens and becomes rich and velvety, coating every piece of chicken perfectly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Serve

Finally, add your cooked pasta back to the pot. Stir it all together until every penne is thoroughly coated in that spicy, creamy sauce. Cook everything for a couple more minutes, just to marry those flavors. Take one taste and you’ll see why this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is so unforgettable!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

This dish practically begs for a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you want to really wow, finish with extra grated parmesan or a little sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for bold color at the table.

Side Dishes

The richness of this pasta calls for simple, crisp sides. Think a big green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. For a classic restaurant feel, warm garlic bread or crusty baguette is always welcome to swipe up that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, pile the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe high in a large serving bowl and top with a swirl of cream or a ring of sliced green onions. For personal servings, ladle pasta into deep bowls and let guests pick their favorite garnishes and sides for a custom touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe can be a delicious next-day lunch! Simply transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen with time, so it might taste even better the next day.

Freezing

While many pastas freeze well, the creamy sauce in this recipe tends to separate and become oily after thawing, so I don’t recommend freezing. The texture and flavor just aren’t the same after a stint in the deep freeze.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover pasta in a saucepan over gentle heat or use a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, stirring as it warms to regain that silky, just-cooked consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne is ideal because its tube shape holds onto the creamy Cajun sauce, but you can easily use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

The easiest way to tailor the heat in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is to increase or decrease the cayenne pepper. You can also opt for a mild or spicy Cajun seasoning blend, so taste and tweak until it’s perfect for you.

Can I substitute half and half for heavy cream?

Yes, half and half can be used in place of heavy cream if you’d like a lighter sauce. The end result will still be creamy, just with a bit less richness—totally delicious either way.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

It sure is! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a medley of your favorite veggies, and use a good-quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a satisfying vegetarian spin on the classic.

Can I prep any part of the recipe ahead?

You can dice your veggies, measure your spices, and even have your chicken cut and ready in advance. That way, the actual cooking process for your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is even faster and easier when dinnertime comes.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes deliver the flavor and satisfaction of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, especially when a home-cooked meal needs to feel just a little bit special. If you’re ready to add a bold, creamy, and vibrant pasta to your culinary repertoire, give this recipe a try—your family, friends, and taste buds will thank you!