Name: cajun chicken pasta recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 12 ounces fettuccine pasta; 3 green onions (sliced); Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish)); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

This restaurant-quality Cajun chicken pasta brings Louisiana flavor straight to your kitchen. The creamy, spicy sauce coats tender chicken and al dente pasta for a perfect balance of comfort and excitement. It’s a quick one-pot meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Ready to experience this Southern-inspired dish that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun chicken pasta isn’t just another dinner option, it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection:

Weeknight wonder: From pan to plate in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need something substantial without the wait.
One-pot simplicity: Less cleanup means more enjoyment! The pasta absorbs all those amazing flavors while cooking alongside the other ingredients.
Customizable heat level: You control the spice! Dial it up for heat lovers or tone it down for a family-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy.
Impressive yet effortless: Guests will think you spent hours creating this restaurant-quality dish. It’s our little secret how easy it actually is!
Balanced satisfaction: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables create a complete meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Versatile foundation: Once you master the basics, you can easily swap proteins or add seasonal vegetables to make this recipe your own.

What You’ll Need for Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creating this Louisiana-inspired dish requires simple ingredients that combine to create extraordinary flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Cajun chicken pasta to life:

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Clara’s Notes:

Pasta choice matters: While fettuccine is traditional, penne holds the sauce beautifully in its ridges and tubes.
Cajun seasoning tip: If using store-bought, check the salt content first. Some blends are heavily salted, which affects how much additional salt you’ll need.
Time-saving option: Pre-sliced bell peppers work perfectly if you’re in a hurry.
Cheese recommendation: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-packaged varieties.

The beauty of this ingredient list is its flexibility. Don’t have bell peppers? Try zucchini or mushrooms. Need a lighter version? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. This recipe welcomes your personal touch while maintaining that authentic Cajun character.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creating this flavor-packed dish isn’t complicated, but the right technique makes all the difference. Follow these steps for perfect Cajun chicken pasta every time:

Preparing the Chicken

Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. This step is crucial, don’t rush it! Allow the chicken to sit with the seasoning for at least 5 minutes.

Sear to perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover losely with foil.

Cooking the Pasta

Boil the pasta: While the chicken coks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Creating the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onions, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 50 seconds until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce sems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Bringing It All Together

Combine components: Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta and toss gently until everything is coated in the creamy cajun chicken pasta sauce.
Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice, salt, or pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions just before serving.

cajun chicken pasta recipe step 5_result

Pro Tips:

For deeper flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables.
Perfect pasta texture: Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions for the ideal al dente finish.
Sauce consistency: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so keep it slightly thinner than you want the final result.

Remember, the key to exceptional Cajun chicken pasta is layering flavors at each step. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes like it came straight from a Louisiana kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

Take your Cajun chicken pasta from great to unforgettable with these perfect pairings:

Garlic bread to soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce
Crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
White wine (Riesling or Pinot Grigio) or sweet tea with lemon to complement the spice

For an impressive presentation, warm your plates before serving and finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and chopped parsley. This Louisiana-inspired dish shines brightest when served immediately, bringing everyone to the table for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Kid-Friendly Adjustments

Turn this Cajun favorite into a family-pleaser with these simple tweaks:

Dial down the spice by using just half the Cajun seasoning in the whole dish, or better yet, season the chicken separately with a mild version for kids.
Switch to fun pasta shapes like bowties or wheels that appeal to children and are easier for small hands to manage.
Hide those veggies by finely dicing bell peppers or even puréeing them into the sauce for the most vegetable-resistant eaters.
Create a build-your-own pasta bar with separate components so kids can assemble their own plates, giving them control over what they eat.
Add cooling elements like a side of sour cream that kids can stir in to tame any lingering heat.

These simple adjustments let your whole family enjoy this Louisiana-inspired dish together, introducing children to new flavors while respecting their developing palates. The ultimate win: one meal that satisfies everyone at the table!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep your Cajun chicken pasta tasting fresh with these simple storage solutions:

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days – the flavors actually improve overnight!
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s silky texture.
Prep ahead by seasoning the chicken, slicing vegetables, and mixing the Cajun spice blend up to 24 hours in advance. Store components separately until cooking time.
Revive leftover pasta by adding a tablespoon of milk or cream before reheating to prevent dryness.

For busy weeknights, make the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then simply cook fresh pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. This approach gives you restaurant-quality Cajun pasta even on your busiest days!

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Per Serving (makes 4):

Calories: 720
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 36g
Sodium: 780mg

Quick Modifications:

Lighter option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and increase vegetables to reduce calories while maintaining flavor
Gluten-free: Use rice or corn pasta and verify your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free
Dairy-free: Replace cream with coconut milk and skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
Lower-carb: Try zucchini noodles or Palmini (heart of palm) pasta, or simply increase chicken and vegetables while reducing pasta portion

This chicken cajun pasta delivers substantial protein and essential nutrients from the bell peppers and chicken. Consider it an occasional treat in its traditional form, or use these modifications to fit your specific dietary needs without sacrificing the authentic Louisiana-inspired flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What to put in Cajun chicken pasta?

Authentic Cajun chicken pasta includes bell peppers, onions, and celery (the “holy trinity”), seasoned chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and pasta (typically fettuccine). Fresh garnishes like green onions and parsley brighten the dish. For extra flavor, consider adding tomatoes, mushrooms, or garlic.

What is Cajun chicken made of?

Cajun chicken consists of boneless chicken (breast or thigh) seasoned with a Cajun spice blend that typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. The chicken is usually cooked quickly in butter or oil to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the meat juicy.

Is Cajun chicken pasta spicy?

Yes, traditional Cajun chicken pasta has a moderate to significant kick from the cayenne pepper in the seasoning. However, you can easily adjust the heat level by using less Cajun seasoning, creating a custom blend with reduced cayenne, or balancing with extra cream. The dish is meant to be flavorful and warming rather than overwhelmingly hot.

What pairs well with Cajun chicken?

Cajun chicken pairs beautifully with rice, garlic bread, corn on the cob, collard greens, or a simple salad. For beverages, try cold beer, sweet tea, or Pinot Grigio. Complete your meal with Southern desserts like banana pudding or peach cobbler. The bold flavors work best with sides that either complement the spiciness or provide cooling contrast.