Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting meal that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Why This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Is the Best
- Spicy Cajun Flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that makes this dish exciting and flavorful.
- Creamy Sauce: The rich and creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta, making it irresistibly delicious.
- Juicy Chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply craving a spicy and comforting dish, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and spicy Cajun seasoning makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Penne pasta: Serves as the hearty base, providing texture and holding the creamy sauce.
- Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper: Infuse the dish with bold, spicy flavor and balance the overall taste.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The main protein, cut into pieces for even cooking and absorption of flavors.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the dish.
- Bell peppers: Add sweetness, color, and texture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Smoked paprika, dried basil, and garlic powder: Contribute depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Fresh parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, creating a deliciously creamy finish.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and pasta.
- Season Well: Season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread for an extra indulgent dinner.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225 gr penne pasta cooked following package instructions and drained
- 4 tsps Cajun seasoning divided
- ½ tsp salt divided
- ½ tsp pepper divided
- 1 ½ lbs 680 gr boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1″ pieces
- 3 Tbsp salted butter divided
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 1 ½ cups 355 ml heavy cream
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start cooking the pasta following the package instructions.
- In a large ziplock bag, mix together 3 Tsp of Cajun seasoning, ¼ Tsp of salt, and ¼ Tsp of pepper. Add the chopped chicken, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is well coated. Set it aside.
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp of butter.
- Move the chicken to a heated pan and cook until browned and cooked through, working in batches if necessary. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Next, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt. Add the peppers and onion, stirring frequently until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, and the remaining Cajun seasoning along with ¼ Tsp of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Once thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the Parmesan cheese and the warm, drained pasta, stirring until the cheese melts. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.