If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, rich with creamy goodness, and has just the right amount of spice, you’ve got to try this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that makes every bite comforting and irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is a total winner that’s as simple as it is sensational.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet vibrant ingredients is the secret to making this dish sing with flavor and texture. Each component brings something special, from the spicy Cajun seasoning that gives the chicken its kick, to the creamy Parmesan that wraps everything in indulgence.
- 250g penne pasta: Pick your favorite pasta shape, but penne holds the sauce wonderfully well.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: These will become tender pockets of juicy, Cajun-spiced goodness.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: Adds a smoky, spicy flavor punch; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- 1 tbsp butter: Gives the sauce a silky richness and helps sauté the veggies beautifully.
- 1 tbsp cooking oil: Ideal for frying the chicken until golden and crispy on the edges.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of savory depth that’s absolutely irresistible.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color; feel free to mix green and yellow for extra brightness.
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan and infuses the sauce with subtle complexity.
- 1 cup double cream (heavy cream): The star that creates the luscious, creamy texture of the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Melts into the cream and adds a savory, nutty finish.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Brings a fresh, herby note and a pop of green to the finished dish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the penne and cook until just al dente, which means tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water — this little trick helps adjust your sauce later for the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat your cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Sear it until each piece turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is where those bold Cajun flavors really develop in the chicken itself.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and then toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell peppers. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the pan — this adds so much depth. Let this simmer for 2 minutes before stirring in the double cream and grated Parmesan. Continue simmering for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now comes the fun part: add the cooked pasta and the Cajun chicken back into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so each piece of pasta is richly coated. If your sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve that velvety, clingy texture that keeps the dish irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by removing the skillet from the heat and sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds a fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy sauce. For those who love a little extra heat, a pinch of cayenne or an extra dash of Cajun seasoning right before serving takes this dish to the next level.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley really brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few chili flakes can add some zing and richness right at the table, letting everyone customize their plate just how they like it.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with a light green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich cream sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes perfect companions, soaking up every last drop of that decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of freshness. You can also sprinkle chopped scallions or roasted pine nuts over the top for an unexpected twist of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its wonderful flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta isn’t ideal because cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, flash cool the dish completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within 1 month. Reheat gently and stir well to recombine the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and bring it back to a cozy, saucy state without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds the sauce nicely, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild Cajun blend. You can also leave out any additional spicy toppings like cayenne pepper to keep it mild but still flavorful.
What can I substitute for double cream in this recipe?
If you can’t find double cream, heavy cream or a mixture of half-and-half with a small amount of cream cheese can work. Just keep in mind it might be slightly less rich, but still delicious.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta, and make sure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without the gluten.
How do I know when the sauce has thickened enough?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a slightly thickened, creamy texture. It will thicken more as it cools, so pull it off the heat as soon as it clings well to the spoon and coats the pasta nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of creamy comfort and bold Cajun flavors in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a quick, delicious meal that feels like something special every time. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular dish to add to your dinner rotation. So grab your ingredients and get cooking — your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Print
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously spicy and creamy dish ready in just 30 minutes. Tender bites of Cajun-seasoned chicken are combined with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. A simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner that brings a touch of Southern flair to your table.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (or a combination of green and yellow)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup double cream (heavy cream)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Cook the Cajun Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies & Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the double cream and grated Parmesan. Continue to simmer the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken well with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve hot immediately. For extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- If double cream is not available, heavy cream can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amounts based on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
