Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Featured in Perfect Poultry Recipes.

This Cajun chicken pasta recipe delivers a rich, spicy twist in just 30 minutes. Lightly browned chicken breast is seasoned with bold Cajun flavors, paired with a velvety cream sauce made using fresh garlic, butter, and half-and-half. The balance of zesty spice and cheesy richness brings a lively vibe to this quick-to-make dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Great for rushed evenings when you want satisfying yet easy food without the takeout.
A woman in a white chef's outfit with a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:21:17 GMT
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This restaurant-quality Cajun chicken pasta combines rich cream sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken and al dente noodles. The blend of spices, tender chicken, and velvety sauce creates a deeply satisfying meal that comes together quickly. Each element adds layers of flavor, from the seasoned chicken to the garlic-infused cream sauce.

The first time I made this dish, my family couldn't believe it wasn't takeout. The secret is building flavors throughout the cooking process.

Key Ingredients

  • Heavy Cream: Use at room temperature for smooth sauce
  • Cajun Seasoning: Check freshness for best flavor
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated works best
  • Pasta: Choose shapes that hold sauce well
  • Garlic: Fresh minced, not pre-packaged

Success depends on proper timing and temperature control. Here are the key steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
Bring chicken to room temp and pound to even thickness. Season well with Cajun spice and let rest 5 minutes. Heat pan until hot before adding chicken.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Salt water generously. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions. Save some pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Sauce:
Cook garlic until fragrant. Make roux until light golden. Add cream slowly while whisking. Simmer gently to thicken.
4. Watch Temperature:
Keep heat moderate. Too hot splits the cream, too low won't thicken properly. Sauce should coat back of spoon.
5. Final Assembly:
Toss pasta with sauce until coated. Add pasta water if needed. Slice chicken against grain. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan.
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Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cajun pasta with crusty garlic bread and crisp green salad. Pair with an unoaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to complement the creamy sauce. The wine's acidity helps cut through the richness.

Recipe Variations

  • Use half-and-half for lighter sauce
  • Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage
  • Add colorful peppers and onions
  • Try different pasta shapes
  • Add smoked paprika for depth
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Storage Tips

Store pasta and sauce separately when possible. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce. Heat gently, stirring often.

Prep Ahead

Get components ready in advance:

  • Season chicken and refrigerate
  • Make sauce ahead and reheat gently
  • Cook pasta al dente, toss with oil
  • Grate cheese and store airtight
  • Mix Cajun seasoning blend
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Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I try other pasta shapes?
Of course! Rotini, fettuccine, or even fusilli work perfectly with the cream sauce.
→ How hot is the spice in this meal?
The heat level rests on the Cajun seasoning you choose. It’s easy to tone it down or kick it up!
→ Does this hold up for leftovers?
Though it’s best freshly made, leftovers can last 2-3 days in the fridge. A splash of cream when reheating does wonders.
→ What’s a good swap for half-and-half?
You could go with equal parts milk and heavy cream, or straight heavy cream for extra richness.
→ Can I toss in some veggies?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are fantastic here—just add them to the chicken while cooking.

Creamy Cajun Chicken

A 30-minute creamy pasta dish with seasoned chicken and penned pasta, all covered in a flavorful parmesan sauce for your weeknight meals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 8 ounces of penne pasta
02 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, flattened evenly

→ Sauce Ingredients

03 2 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
04 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
05 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, broken into two portions
06 1 tablespoon regular-purpose flour
07 2 minced garlic cloves
08 ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (reserve some for topping)
09 1½ cups half-and-half cream

→ Garnish

10 Salt and black pepper for seasoning
11 Freshly chopped parsley
12 A diced tomato

Instructions

Step 01

Boil the penne pasta following the directions on the package.

Step 02

Take a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun spice on both sides of the chicken breasts. Lay them in the skillet and let them cook for roughly three minutes per side. Make sure the inside reaches 165°F before removing.

Step 03

Once the chicken is done, take it out of the skillet. Wipe the skillet clean and place it back on medium heat.

Step 04

Drop in the butter to melt, then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about half a minute. Stir in the flour and cook it out for an extra 30 seconds. Slowly drizzle in the half-and-half a bit at a time, letting the sauce thicken gradually. After the first half cup, you can add the rest a little faster.

Step 05

Mix in the grated Parmesan until completely melted. Sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 06

Stir the cooked penne into the creamy sauce. Lay slices of the chicken on top, add diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and some extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and dig in!

Notes

  1. You can turn up or down the heat by adding more or less Cajun spice.
  2. Best enjoyed right away so the sauce stays smooth and creamy.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • A whisk
  • Measuring tools (cups and spoons)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy
  • Contains gluten/wheat products

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 28 g