If you're craving a creamy, flavorful, and slightly spicy dish for dinner, look no further than this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare. It’s the perfect recipe to impress your guests or enjoy as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a winner for several reasons:
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Quick & easy: Even if you're a beginner cook, you’ll nail this recipe. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
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Flavor-packed: The Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan create a mouthwatering combination that screams flavor.
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One-pan wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans, making clean-up a breeze.
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Restaurant-quality: Enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish right at home, without the hassle.
Ingredients
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250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
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2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more if you like it spicy!)
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 tablespoon cooking oil
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced (you can also use green and yellow, or a combination of colors)
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½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
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1 cup double cream (heavy cream)
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
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Cook the Cajun Chicken: Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté the Veggies & Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add the cream and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Protein swaps: Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even a plant-based protein like tofu.
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Veggie additions: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Spice level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust it to suit your preference, or add extra cayenne for more heat.
Can I use non-dairy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the double cream with a non-dairy cream such as coconut cream or oat cream for a dairy-free version.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, to save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken in this recipe.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, you can use less cream or substitute it with a lighter version of cream, like half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy Cajun chicken pasta. However, the texture of the cream might change when reheated, so it’s best to consume it within a month.
What can I serve this pasta with?
Pair it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure your skillet or pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining the richness of a creamy sauce with the bold kick of Cajun seasoning. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress at a dinner gathering. With just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again. Enjoy the flavors of Cajun cooking from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! This quick, one-pan dish combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the ideal dinner for busy weeknights, or to impress guests at a dinner party. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this flavorful dish is a must-try for pasta lovers!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp cooking oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced (or a combination of green and yellow)
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup double cream (heavy cream)
½ cup grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
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Cook the Cajun Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
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Sauté the Veggies & Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes. Add white wine (or broth) and scrape the bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Combine Everything: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley and serve hot. For extra heat, add cayenne or more Cajun seasoning.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or plant-based protein.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or non-dairy cream alternatives.
- Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
