Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dinner in 30 Minutes
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavor-packed dinner featuring juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
- Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add pasta and sliced chicken. Toss until coated.
- Add pasta water if needed, garnish, and serve hot.
Notes
- Add shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
- Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great add-ins.
- Use extra Cajun seasoning for a spicier version.