Can I make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and sauce a day ahead and store separately. Reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, but heavy cream provides the richest, most authentic creamy Cajun pasta texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper directly to the sauce. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works!

Can I use other vegetables in this quick Cajun dinner?

Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, spinach (added at the very end), or even corn would be delicious additions to this spicy creamy pasta.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes) easy weeknight satisfying meal prep win
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (mild or spicy, to your preference); 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a weeknight warrior! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful, satisfying, and slightly spicy pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce come together for a taste explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (mild or spicy, to your preference)
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, pat chicken dry and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine, ensuring everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
You can use shrimp instead of chicken for a delicious seafood variation.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 750
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 150mg