Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Creamy, spicy, and full of bold flavor—Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food with a Southern kick. This dish features juicy, seasoned chicken breast served over a bed of tender pasta, tossed in a rich Cajun cream sauce with sautéed bell peppers. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes.

The Cajun seasoning brings warmth and depth without overpowering, while the cream sauce balances it out with smooth richness. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner with flair or planning a cozy date night, this pasta brings heat and heart to the table.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works wonderfully because they hold onto the creamy sauce. Penne is especially ideal for soaking up the spices and coating every bite with flavor. If you’re in the mood for a long noodle, fettuccine also pairs well for a more traditional creamy pasta feel.

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Ingredients for the Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish, sliced and seared for that perfect golden crust and juicy center.

Cajun Seasoning – Provides the bold, smoky, spicy kick that defines the flavor of the dish.

Pasta (Penne) – Ideal for catching all that creamy Cajun sauce in every tube.

Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow) – Add a pop of color and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spice.

Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture that clings to the pasta.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce.

Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a deep aromatic base.

Olive Oil and Butter – Used for sautéing and flavor layering.

Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the taste.

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How To Make the Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is searing, boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Garlic

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and sauté the sliced bell peppers until tender-crisp. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan and additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then add the drained pasta. Toss until well coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it needs loosening.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish

Slice the rested chicken and lay it over the creamy pasta. Let it heat for a minute in the sauce, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the flavor-packed comfort.

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Serving and Storing Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. Plate it with a generous portion of pasta topped with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of parsley. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad makes this a full, satisfying meal.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its silky consistency. It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu work well in place of chicken while still complementing the Cajun flavor.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a noticeable kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or using a mild version.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste.

What vegetables go well with this pasta?

Besides bell peppers, you can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to bulk it up with extra nutrients.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can make the components ahead (pasta, chicken, sauce) and store them separately. Combine and reheat before serving for the best texture.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you loved this Cajun Chicken Pasta, these other flavor-packed meals might be right up your alley:

• Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a rich, hearty indulgence.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip if you’re craving sweet heat in bite-sized form.
• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for earthy comfort with every forkful.
• Teriyaki Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies for a sweet-and-savory Asian-inspired dinner.
• Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce if you’re in the mood for a bold beefy twist.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip up Cajun Chicken Pasta anytime the craving hits.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you use shrimp instead? Spice it up with extra cayenne? Add mushrooms or spinach?

Comment below to share your twists and tips. Let’s keep the dinner inspiration flowing!

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