Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish with a spicy kick! Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken is seared to perfection, then tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with pasta and sauteed bell peppers. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta:
8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For Garnish (Optional):
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken:
Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Saute the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, put olive oil over medium heat.
Add bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine Everything:
Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add drained pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~550
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fiber: ~4g
Fats: ~25g
Saturated Fat: ~12g
Cholesterol: ~110mg
Sodium: ~750mg
Notes & Tips
Make It Spicier: Add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
Extra Protein: Add shrimp or sausage for a Cajun twist!
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth.
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is bold, creamy, and packed with flavor—a perfect balance of heat and richness! Enjoy!