Name: Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 12 ounces penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're craving a comforting meal that's packed with bold flavors and a pleasantly spicy kick, Cajun Chicken Pasta is your new go-to recipe. With juicy, seasoned chicken, velvety cream sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Bold flavor: Vibrant Cajun spices add just the right amount of heat and depth.
Creamy texture: The rich sauce coats every bite of pasta for dreamy indulgence.
Quick & easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish!
Versatile: Easily adaptable for weeknight meals or cozy dinner parties.
One-pan friendly: Minimal clean-up makes this a winner for any busy cook.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken & Pasta

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾-inch), then coat both sides with the Cajun seasoning.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Transfer chicken to a plate, cover, and let it rest. Slice into strips after 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
Stir in garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from skillet; simmer for 1 minute.
Add heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Layer sliced chicken on top, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.
Letting the chicken rest ensures it stays juicy and tender.

Variations

Shrimp Cajun Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cooking time so the shrimp stays tender.
Veggie Cajun Pasta: Omit the meat and use extra bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
Lighter Cajun Pasta: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.

Required Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Pasta pot
Colander
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or spatula

Storage Instructions

Allow leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce can separate upon thawing.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality touch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta

Slice the chicken against the grain for extra tenderness.
Don't overcook the pasta—al dente holds up best in creamy sauces.
Start with less salt; Cajun seasoning and Parmesan are already salty.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken works—just toss it in with the vegetables and heat through before adding the sauce.

Is Cajun Chicken Pasta spicy?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Go mild or add extra spices for more heat!

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are all excellent choices as they hold the creamy sauce well.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4