If you’re craving a bold, creamy, and downright irresistible weeknight dinner, this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender strips of perfectly seasoned chicken mingling with colorful bell peppers and onions, all enveloped in a luscious, spicy cream sauce that hugs every ribbon of pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder packed with flavor, and it comes together in just 30 minutes—making it every bit as practical as it is delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role, coming together to create layers of heat, creaminess, and color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few helpful tips to make each component shine.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced into strips, these soak up all that Cajun flavor and stay juicy.
- Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the dish—adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and locking in moisture.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: These add a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the heat.
- Red onion: Sliced thin, it softens beautifully and adds a subtle zing.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that irresistible aromatic note.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety sauce—use half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a rich, nutty finish.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta: Pick your favorite; both hold the sauce beautifully.
- Butter: Gives the veggies a glossy, savory finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—season to taste.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that makes your plate pop.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your fettuccine or penne according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’ll want it ready for that final toss in the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, toss your chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until each piece is coated in those smoky, spicy flavors. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, letting the edges get golden and crisp. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they’re just tender and slightly caramelized, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute for maximum aroma.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to lift any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the Parmesan cheese and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened—it should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are fully coated in that luscious Cajun cream sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, serve hot, and watch as everyone dives in!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens every bite and adds a pop of green. For extra flair, a dusting of Parmesan cheese or even a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning on top takes your Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe from homey to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your dinner, try serving it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also makes a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual bowls with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top. Or, pile the pasta onto a large platter family-style and let everyone help themselves—perfect for a lively weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making weekday lunches a treat.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce can change texture after freezing, you can still freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. This helps revive the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions, but go slow to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classic choices, feel free to use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up to the creamy sauce.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning and personal preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less seasoning and add more to taste. For heat lovers, a pinch of cayenne pepper takes it up a notch!
Can I make the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan for the cheesy flavor. The result will still be creamy and delicious.
What’s the best way to add more veggies?
Mushrooms or spinach are great additions—just sauté them along with the bell peppers and onions. Broccoli florets or zucchini also work well and bring extra color and nutrition to your Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Can I prep any part of the dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the chicken and veggies a day ahead and store them in the fridge. The pasta can also be cooked in advance; just toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, everything comes together in a flash.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress—without a lot of fuss—this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and turns any night into something special. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight favorite!
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Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender strips of seasoned chicken breast with a creamy, flavorful sauce loaded with bell peppers, garlic, and Parmesan. Served over al dente fettuccine or penne, it’s a spicy and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken breasts with the Cajun seasoning until each strip is evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Add mushrooms or fresh spinach to the vegetable sauté for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite (al dente).
- If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding back the chicken and pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
