Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A quick and easy creamy spicy Cajun chicken pasta with bold flavors, tender chicken, and a silky cheesy sauce perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound/450g), sliced into bite-sized strips
- 12 ounces (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought, e.g., Tony Chachere’s)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Scrape browned bits from chicken into the veggies for extra flavor.
- Pour in 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth and 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce is too thick.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss in drained pasta. Stir well to coat pasta and chicken evenly with sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.
- Serve immediately warm and creamy.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper searing. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture. Simmer cream gently to avoid curdling. Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency. Let seasoned chicken rest 10 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1¾ cups (350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, bold flavors, comfort food