Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender strips of Cajun-seasoned chicken, golden and seared to perfection, tossed with penne pasta in a rich Parmesan garlic cream sauce. This dish combines bold Cajun flavors with the comfort of a creamy pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a comforting fusion of spicy and creamy, providing both heat and richness in every bite. The Cajun seasoning adds bold flavor to the chicken, while the Parmesan cream sauce balances it with a smooth, velvety texture. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts, cut into strips
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Penne pasta
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is coated evenly in the sauce.
7. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes over low heat, stirring gently.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 540 kcal

Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for added heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added color and nutrients.
• Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp or sliced sausage for the chicken to change things up.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the penne pasta with zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent overcooking.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.

FAQs

What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically includes a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, store-bought Cajun seasoning works well. Adjust the quantity based on its saltiness and spice level.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Simmer the cream gently on low heat and avoid boiling. Stir continuously when adding the Parmesan.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine all work well in place of penne.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is moderate. You can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend if sensitive to spice.

What type of Parmesan is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream and Parmesan substitutes, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, the chicken can be cooked a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently before combining with the sauce and pasta.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or extra Parmesan for added thickness.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet indulgent enough for entertaining. With tender chicken, spicy Cajun flair, and a velvety cream sauce, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Simple to make and full of bold character, it’s the perfect comfort food with a kick.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken strips tossed with penne pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. A comforting, flavorful pasta dish ready in just 30 minutes.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz penne pasta
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Let sauce thicken slightly.
6. Return chicken to skillet and toss in pasta until evenly coated in sauce.
7. Cook together for 2–3 minutes on low heat, stirring gently.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for spiciness.
• Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Use fettuccine or rigatoni instead of penne for variation.
• Pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 140mg