There’s nothing quite like the aroma of seasoned chicken sizzling in a hot pan, filling your kitchen with warmth. This Cajun Chicken Pasta brings all that comforting goodness together in a creamy, spicy dish that’s taken kitchens by storm. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet quick!
With juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and pasta wrapped in a bold, creamy sauce, this dish is like your favorite pasta but with a spicy twist. No fancy ingredients neededjust pantry staples and about 30 minutes of your time. It’s an easy recipe that feels indulgent without the long prep time, making it a staple for family dinners.
I started whipping up this dish after a food festival visit in 2017, and it quickly became a family hit. My friend raved about it during a dinner party, saying it was like a “mini vacation to New Orleans.” The secret? Don’t skip the Cajun seasoningit gives the chicken that delicious kick and transforms the whole dish. After eight years of recipe testing, this one is a true favorite!
Thomas Baker
Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy and Delicious Recipe
This creamy cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful, one pot cajun chicken pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious spicy sauce, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic pasta dishes. Enjoy this creamy cajun chicken pasta that’s both satisfying and effortlessly easy to make. Related keywords for Pinterest in the USA, in one line separated by commas: cajun chicken pasta, creamy cajun chicken pasta, one pot cajun chicken pasta, easy cajun chicken pasta recipe, spicy cajun pasta with chicken, keto cajun chicken pasta, cajun chicken alfredo pasta, baked cajun chicken pasta, 30 minute cajun chicken pasta, loaded cajun chicken pasta naturally
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon to 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning with salt divided
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
2 medium green or red bell peppers or a combination thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
3 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese about 3/4 cup store-bought grated plus more for serving
2 teaspoons sherry red or white wine vinegar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish optional
Method
Start by heating a large pot of salted water until it boils. Cook the penne pasta until just shy of al dente according to the package, setting aside 2 cups of the cooking water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, place the chicken pieces in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and toss well.
Heat a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in an even layer and sear without stirring for about 3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked, then transfer chicken to a plate.
To the same pot, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, garlic, and the remaining Cajun seasoning amount. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften but remain crisp, about 5 minutes.
Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the canned fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, cream cheese cubes, and grated Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cream cheese has melted completely, about 1 minute.
Return the cooked chicken and any juices accumulated on the plate back into the pot. Pour in 1 cup of the reserved pasta water along with the vinegar, mixing everything evenly.
Add the drained pasta to the pot and toss constantly for about 1 minute until the sauce clings nicely to the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, add extra pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Season the dish to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve sprinkled with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta
Comforting and Flavorful: This dish brings the warmth of home cooking with just the right spicy kick, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an effortless meal for busy weeknights that feels indulgent.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones. It’s practically a hug in a bowl!
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters rave about this dish. The creamy sauce and tender chicken will win their hearts.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s gather what you’ll need to whip up this cozy dish:
Pasta: 1 pound of dried penne brings a satisfying bite.
Chicken: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide protein and heartiness.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show! Use 1 tablespoon for cooking and adjust based on taste.
Fresh Veggies: Medium yellow onion and bell peppers add a lovely crunch and sweetness.
Tomatoes & Cream Cheese: These create the rich, creamy sauce that elevates your meal.
Tools: A large pot, medium Dutch oven or heavy pot, and a good knife will do the trick!
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Start with Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 1 pound of penne for 1 minute less than al dente.
Season the Chicken: Combine 2 pounds of chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: Sauté the chicken in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until golden brown. Transfer to a plate when done.
Cook the Veggies: Add remaining olive oil, onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot, cooking until everything is just tender.
Make the Sauce: Stir in tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan, mixing until melted together beautifully.
Combine: Return chicken and some reserved pasta water, then toss in the cooked pasta. Season and serve!
Troubleshooting Tips
Too Thick?: If the sauce is thicker than you’d like, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Not Spicy Enough? Don’t be shyadd a bit more Cajun seasoning to kick it up a notch!
Leftover Chicken?: This recipe is forgiving! Substitute cooked chicken for quicker prep next time.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ways to make your meal even cozier:
Top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.
Serve alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal after a long day!
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to store them:
Storage Method
Tip
Refrigerate
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 monthsjust thaw and reheat!
Quick Recipe Summary
Step
Time
Prep Pasta
10 minutes
Cook Chicken
8–10 minutes
Sauté Veggies
5 minutes
Make Sauce & Combine
5 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Your new favorite Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is ready to take center stage at your table! Trust me, this spicy, creamy dish is sure to please. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Expert Says
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream with the bold spices characteristic of Cajun cuisine. The use of cayenne and paprika not only enhances flavor but also boosts metabolism and adds antioxidants, making your meal both satisfying and nutritious.
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The Adventure of Perfecting Cajun Chicken Pasta
After a few too many overly spicy mishaps and one surprisingly undercooked chicken piece, I finally nailed this Cajun chicken pasta recipe. Each attempt was a step closer to the delicious balance of heat and comfort I craved, resulting in a creamy dish that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate.
FAQs ( Cajun Chicken Pasta )
What is Cajun Chicken Pasta?
This dish combines seasoned chicken with bell peppers and pasta in a creamy, bold sauce. It’s a wonderful blend of flavors that brings a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen, perfect for those who love a little spice in their meals.
How do I make Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Start by seasoning and cooking your chicken, then sauté bell peppers. Toss in cooked pasta and mix with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, cheese, and Cajun spices. It’s all about blending flavors for a deliciously spicy finish.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using half-and-half or coconut milk. For a healthier twist, unsweetened Greek yogurt can also work well, just mix it in off the heat to avoid curdling.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. Traditional Cajun seasoning adds a kick, but you can reduce the amount or use mild options to suit your taste. Feel free to customize it according to the heat tolerance of your family.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Just reheat and add the pasta when ready to serve for a quick meal.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Cajun Chicken Pasta turns outcomforting, creamy, and ready in just 30 minutes! The aroma fills your kitchen with warmth, making it perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.
For a twist, try adding some sautéed shrimp or a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up! Need to save some for later? Just pop it in the fridge and reheat gentlytrust me, it’ll be just as scrumptious. A little trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: always season to taste before serving!
I’d love to hear how your dish turned out. Did you grow up enjoying something similar? Snap a photo or share your memorieslet’s spread the love for homemade meals together. Don’t forget to save this recipe to share with your loved ones; it’s a hug in a bowl that everyone deserves!
