Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella is the definition of comfort food with a spicy twist. Golden-seared chicken breast slices sit beside a velvety pasta drenched in a garlic-kissed Cajun cream sauce, laced with melted mozzarella and nutty Parmesan. The result? A crave-worthy dish that’s rich, smoky, and downright indulgent.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress with a crowd-pleasing plate, this pasta brings serious flavor to the table. The balance of heat from the Cajun seasoning, the depth from garlic and cheese, and that creamy finish makes every bite a little celebration. Serve it with warm bread or a crisp side salad to round out the meal.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. They cook quickly and evenly, and when seasoned well and seared until golden, they soak up the Cajun flavor beautifully. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer a juicier, richer cut of meat.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

• Chicken Breasts: These are the protein base, seasoned and seared for a flavorful contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds smoky, peppery heat that defines the dish. You can use store-bought or make your own blend.
• Olive Oil & Butter: For searing the chicken and building the base of the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious sauce texture that clings to every bite of pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce for an irresistibly gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to balance the creaminess.
• Pasta (Penne or Rigatoni): Holds the sauce well and provides a hearty bite.
• Salt & Pepper: To balance and brighten all the other ingredients.
• Chopped Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant finish.

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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry. Rub both sides generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add more butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese to Create the Sauce

Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering cream. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch more Cajun spice if desired.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Combine

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes so everything comes together.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Slice the seared chicken into strips and arrange over or next to the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot!

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Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve this pasta fresh and hot, ideally right after everything comes together in the skillet. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a wedge salad, or even grilled vegetables.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder version. You can also add more cream or cheese to mellow out the heat.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

You can! While fresh-seared chicken gives the best flavor and texture, rotisserie chicken works well in a pinch—just skip to Step 3 and stir it in at the end.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and cream cheese can be used, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions. Sauté them after cooking the garlic, before adding the cream.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are all great because they hold the creamy sauce well and add a nice bite.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning blend is free from gluten-containing additives.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into bold, creamy pasta dinners, here are some mouthwatering options you’ll want to try next:

• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for rich garlic flavor in every bite.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a hearty, veggie-packed pasta.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Red Pepper Rigatoni for a bold and creamy vegetarian option.
• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo if you want more Cajun spice with a meaty upgrade.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun or keep it mild? Did you toss in veggies or add extra cheese?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. And if you’re craving more creamy pastas or bold dinners, check out my daily updates on Pinterest @hallarecipes—I’m always sharing something delicious!

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