Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Description:
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that blends juicy, seasoned chicken with a creamy, spicy Alfredo-style sauce and tender pasta. This Southern-inspired comfort food is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. It delivers a balance of smoky Cajun spice, creamy richness, and a savory kick that lingers just right.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub evenly with Cajun seasoning on all sides.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter with 1 tbsp olive oil
Add garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan.
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer until sauce thickens slightly (3–5 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Everything
Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated.
Add sliced chicken on top.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
utritional Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~680 kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fat 36g
Saturated Fat 18g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 4g
Sodium ~850mg
Note: Values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands/quantities used.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes! Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. You can also stir in a splash of milk to mellow the spice.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk and a little flour or cream cheese to help thicken it.
Q: Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely. Just heat it up in the pan with a little Cajun seasoning before adding to the sauce.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream) and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are all great. Use gluten-free pasta if needed