Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

A Flavorful and Indulgent Pasta Dish

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of bold spices, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce. This dish brings together the smoky heat of Cajun seasoning with a luscious cream sauce, coating every bite of pasta in a comforting, flavor-packed experience. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Spiced: The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a bold kick without being overpowering.
• Creamy and Indulgent: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter creates a luxurious sauce.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights.
• Versatile: You can customize the heat level, use different proteins, or add vegetables.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

• In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
• Add smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Everything

• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and mix with the pasta.
• If using cherry tomatoes, toss them in at this stage.

5. Serve and Garnish

• Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

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Recipe Variations

• Protein Swap: Try shrimp, sausage, or even tofu instead of chicken.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
• Extra Heat: Increase Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or linguine all work well in this dish.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. For a thicker texture, add a little cornstarch slurry.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the components separately and reheat with a bit of liquid.

What goes well with Cajun Chicken Pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.

How do I make it less rich?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter and cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you use a large enough skillet for even cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and quick cooking time, it’s a fantastic choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Try customizing it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

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