If you’re looking for a dish that practically shouts “weeknight dinner hero” while bringing big, bold flavor, Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Creamy, cheesy, and spiked with the lively kick of Cajun spices and tender strips of chicken breast, this pasta tosses peppers, garlic, and Parmesan into a sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re a heat-seeker or just love a satisfying, saucy pasta, this meal checks all the boxes for comfort and excitement in one pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but every ingredient plays an important role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip or little background on why each is essential:
- Fettuccine or Penne Pasta (12 oz): Choose a sturdy shape that will soak up the creamy sauce and hold up with the chicken and peppers.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): Cutting them into strips ensures faster, even cooking and allows the Cajun spices to cling to every bite.
- Cajun Seasoning (2 tablespoons, divided): The star of the show—gives the dish its signature spicy, smoky character.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the chicken beautifully and adds a hint of fruity flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings that unmistakable punch that elevates every pan sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): For extra color and mild, fresh flavor that play beautifully with the spice.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): The key to the luxuriously smooth, creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup): Lends depth and keeps the sauce from being too thick.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce and gives it a deliciously cheesy backbone.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For extra heat—totally up to your spice preference.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential finishing touches that bring the whole dish into perfect balance.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Gives the finished dish a fresh, herbal lift and a little extra color.
How to Make Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your fettuccine or penne until just al dente according to the package instructions. You want the noodles to be tender but still have a slight bite since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once done, drain and set aside—the pasta will be ready to dive straight into that glorious sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken
While the pasta is bubbling away, toss your chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes with the spice mix helps it infuse before cooking. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and add the chicken, spreading the strips so they sear properly. Sauté for around 5–6 minutes until they’re cooked through and have a bit of golden color, then transfer them to a plate to rest (and keep all those tasty juices—they’ll go back in later).
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet (don’t clean it out—you want all those flavorful browned bits!), add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about a minute. Now toss in your sliced red and yellow peppers. Sauté these for 3–4 minutes; they should be just starting to get tender while keeping their vibrant color and some crispness.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re extra brave! Stir to combine and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce bubble for a minute, then sprinkle in the Parmesan. Stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—this is the moment when the kitchen really starts to smell irresistible.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Now comes the best part! Add the cooked chicken (and any juices from the plate) back into the pan, then add your cooked pasta. Toss and stir so all the noodles are coated in that luscious, cheesy Cajun sauce. Let the Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta simmer for an extra minute so everything is piping hot and perfectly mingled. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
How to Serve Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
This dish is already bursting with color and flavor, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a final fresh, green finish that makes it look (and taste) even more vibrant. For a flavor boost, you can also dust a little extra Parmesan and a pinch more Cajun seasoning over each plate just before serving.
Side Dishes
Balance out the bold flavors by pairing your Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad, some garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables. Anything that offers a little freshness or crunch makes a perfect companion to the creamy, spicy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal pop by serving the pasta in large, shallow bowls so all the colorful ingredients are on display. For a dinner party touch, arrange the chicken strips and peppers neatly on top, sprinkle with parsley, and finish with a twist of black pepper at the table. Or try spinning the pasta into little nests using tongs for individual portions that look restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, simply let it cool to room temperature, then scoop it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and makes a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the cream sauce may separate a little upon thawing. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring so the sauce comes back together.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classics, any hearty pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce—from rigatoni to rotini—will work beautifully.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Of course! Simply cut back on the Cajun seasoning or skip the optional red pepper flakes. You can even use a mild Cajun blend if you’re cooking for those who prefer less heat.
Can I add vegetables to Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini are delicious additions. Sauté them with the peppers for extra flavor, color, and nutrients.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or even use whole milk with a bit less chicken broth. The sauce will be somewhat thinner but still tasty and comforting.
Can I prepare any components in advance?
Definitely! You can slice the chicken and peppers and even measure out your seasonings the night before. This way, you’ll save precious time and toss together Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in a flash after work or on a busy day.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta—the fiery flavors, silky sauce, and colorful, satisfying finish make it one you’ll come back to often. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a little weeknight magic, and don’t forget to share it with anyone who loves a cozy pasta night with a kick!
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Spicy 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: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken strips with colorful bell peppers in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add bell peppers and cook until tender. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and add Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated and heated through. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning or omitting the red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or add mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
