The Zestiest Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Nestled within culinary traditions, this creamy cajun chicken pasta offers a spicy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Passionate home cooks adore bold combinations that surprise and delight.

Southern comfort meets zesty excitement in every forkful of this hearty dish.

Robust spices weave through tender chicken and silky noodles, creating a memorable meal.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary that sparks conversation and satisfies deep hunger.

Comfort and adventure merge seamlessly in this recipe that promises to become a household favorite.

You will absolutely fall in love with how quickly and easily these ingredients transform into an unforgettable meal.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Reheat Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed thoroughly.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent pasta from sticking or breaking.
• Consume refrigerated pasta within 3 days for best flavor and quality. Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces can separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed.

Bold Bites That Pair With Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Elevate Spicy Flavor Kick: Pair this creamy Cajun chicken pasta with a crisp, cold beer like Abita Amber or Dixie Lager to balance the heat and complement the Cajun seasoning.
• Wine Harmony Match: Select a medium-bodied white wine such as Viognier or Gewürztraminer, which will softly contrast the pasta's richness while handling the spicy undertones.
• Cool Herbal Refreshment: Create a zesty cucumber mint mojito as your drink companion, offering a bright, cooling counterpoint to the dish's intense and creamy profile.
• Texture Contrast Side: Serve with a light, tangy arugula salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's creaminess and provide a fresh, crisp element to the meal.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Creamy Takes

• Gluten-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace traditional pasta with roasted cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich Cajun flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for those avoiding dairy products.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, coating with Cajun seasoning and following the same cooking method for a meatless option.

FAQs

• What makes Cajun seasoning special?

Cajun seasoning is a bold spice blend typically featuring paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme, providing a zesty and robust flavor profile that gives dishes a distinctive Louisiana-style kick.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or use a mild Cajun blend. You can also substitute with a smaller quantity of paprika and black pepper to maintain flavor without intense heat.

• How do I know when chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should appear white throughout with no pink areas, and juices should run clear when pierced.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.

Cajun Chicken Pasta With Creamy Heat You’ll Crave

• Whip Up Speedy Comfort: Perfect weeknight meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Minimal prep time with just 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Cajun seasoning delivers bold, zesty taste that appeals to both adults and kids, creating a universally loved meal that satisfies diverse palates with its creamy, spicy profile.
• Adaptable Dinner Solution: Easily customizable by swapping chicken for shrimp or adding extra vegetables, this recipe offers flexibility for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients while maintaining its core deliciousness.

Cajun Chicken Pasta – Your Ingredient Lineup

• Pasta: Pasta provides the foundation for this creamy dish, perfect for absorbing the rich Cajun sauce.

• Chicken: Protein source that adds hearty flavor and substance to the meal, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

• Cajun Seasoning, Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that brings bold Cajun flavors, with Parmesan adding depth and creaminess to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Garlic: Cream creates a luxurious sauce base, butter adds richness, and garlic provides aromatic depth.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Olive oil helps cook the chicken, while reserved pasta water adjusts sauce consistency.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Creamy Cooking Steps

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, scoop out a half cup of pasta water – this liquid gold will come in handy later.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Season Chicken with Spicy Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken pieces.

Toss and massage the chicken until every single morsel is coated in the fiery, aromatic spice blend.

The chicken will be bursting with flavor before it even hits the pan.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers with potential.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Listen for that satisfying sizzle as the chicken begins to brown.

Cook until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the inside is perfectly cooked through – about 5-7 minutes of pure culinary magic.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Perfection

In the same skillet, drop a pat of butter and watch it melt into liquid gold.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its intoxicating aroma.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Remaining Cajun seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Reunite the cooked chicken with the creamy sauce in the skillet.

Add the waiting pasta and toss everything together until each strand is gloriously coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Transfer to serving plates immediately while the pasta is steaming hot.

Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready to be devoured!

Pasta Tips for Creamy Cajun Chicken Flavor

• Reserve some starchy pasta water to help thicken and smoothen the sauce perfectly without making it too dry.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat preference by adding more or less, allowing personalized flavor intensity.
• Easily replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a versatile dish that suits different dietary needs.
• Use half-and-half or milk with cornstarch for a lighter version without compromising the creamy texture.
• Chop chicken and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce total preparation time.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun chicken pasta delivers a fiery southern symphony of flavors, blending rich cream sauce with bold Creole seasonings. Hearty noodles embrace zesty chicken, inviting you to savor Louisiana’s culinary passion in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil for the pasta.
2. Submerge pasta strands, cooking until they reach a perfectly tender yet firm texture, following package guidance.
3. Extract a small portion of starchy cooking liquid, then carefully drain pasta and set aside.
4. Create a zesty coating for chicken by thoroughly massaging Cajun seasoning into protein pieces.
5. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature.
6. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden exterior and cook completely through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7. Transfer protein to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth.
8. Reduce skillet heat, introducing butter which will melt smoothly.
9. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom briefly.
10. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, letting it gently bubble and thicken.
11. Incorporate remaining Cajun seasoning and finely grated Parmesan, whisking to create a harmonious sauce.
12. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate flavor profile.
13. Reunite cooked chicken with the creamy sauce in the skillet.
14. Fold pasta into the mixture, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated.
15. Modulate sauce consistency by introducing reserved pasta water as needed.
16. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant finish.
17. Serve immediately while still piping hot, delivering maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Select high-quality Cajun seasoning for an authentic, bold flavor profile that enhances the overall dish’s taste.
• Use chicken breast cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the pasta.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind smoothly without losing flavor.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain moisture and prevent dryness, creating tender and juicy protein pieces.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg