There are some dishes you taste once, and they stick with you forever. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of them. I first had a version of this dish at a restaurant years ago, and I was instantly hooked. The perfect balance of smoky, spicy Cajun flavors with a rich, velvety parmesan cream sauce was something I knew I had to recreate at home.
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need to be a professional chef or spend hours in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish that tastes like something straight off the menu at Chili’s or Cheesecake Factory.
And let’s be real—some nights, you just want comfort food that delivers big on flavor without a ton of effort. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing someone special, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I get it—there are a million pasta recipes out there. But this one? It stands out for a reason. Here’s why:
- Fast & Easy: 30 minutes from start to finish. You can’t beat that.
- Big Bold Flavors: Smoky Cajun seasoning + creamy parmesan sauce = a match made in heaven.
- Better Than Takeout: Why spend $20+ at a restaurant when you can make it just as good (or better) at home?
- Customizable: Love spice? Add extra Cajun seasoning. Want veggies? Toss in some spinach or bell peppers.
If you love spicy, creamy, and ultra-satisfying pasta, this is the recipe for you.
What You’ll Need
One thing I love about this dish is how simple the ingredients are. No fancy stuff—just basic pantry staples that come together in an incredible way.
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Pasta – Linguine, fettuccine, penne, or bowtie all work great.
- Cajun Seasoning – Smoky, slightly spicy, and full of bold flavor.
- Garlic & Butter – Because everything tastes better with butter and garlic.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – The secret to that silky smooth sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty bite and thickens the sauce.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds freshness and brightness.
- Bell Peppers or Spinach – Great for extra color and nutrition.
- Red Pepper Flakes – If you love extra heat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain. Save ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and coat it generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let it rest, then slice into thin strips.
3. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and another teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Plate the pasta and top it with freshly grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Serve immediately, because this is best enjoyed hot and fresh!
How to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is that it’s easy to tweak based on what you like or what you have on hand.
Want to Add Some Veggies?
- Bell Peppers – Adds crunch and sweetness.
- Spinach – Wilts beautifully in the sauce.
- Mushrooms – Adds an earthy depth of flavor.
Want a Different Protein?
- Shrimp – A seafood twist that’s just as good (if not better).
- Andouille Sausage – Brings extra smoky flavor.
- Tofu – A great vegetarian alternative.
Like It Extra Spicy?
- Add more Cajun seasoning.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle a little hot sauce on top.
Storage & Reheating Tips
I doubt you’ll have leftovers, but if you do…
How to Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- I don’t recommend freezing—cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.
How to Reheat:
- Best method: Warm it up in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Best Sides to Serve With It
Want to turn this into a restaurant-worthy meal? Pair it with:
- Garlic Bread – Because carbs + carbs = happiness.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp, fresh, and a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Lightens up the meal while adding extra flavor.
For drinks, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the bold Cajun flavors.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
Looking for more flavor-packed chicken recipes to add to your meal rotation? Here are some must-try dishes that are just as satisfying as this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken – A crunchy, flavorful twist on classic baked chicken.
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A slow-cooked, creamy pasta dish that’s packed with garlic and parmesan goodness.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe – A fan-favorite recipe inspired by the famous restaurant dish.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Another creamy and cheesy pasta dish for those who love rich, indulgent flavors.
Try these recipes and spice up your weekly meal plan with more mouthwatering chicken dishes!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine, penne, or bowtie pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water
- For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust for spice level
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
- ½ cup reserved pasta water if needed
- For Garnish Optional:
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and top it with extra parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and black pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Linguine, fettuccine, or penne work best for soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Protein Swap: You can replace the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a different take on this dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth for the best texture.
I could go on and on about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, but honestly? The best way to experience it is to make it yourself. Once you take that first bite—the spicy, smoky chicken, the creamy parmesan sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta—you’ll understand why this dish is so loved.
So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and have fun in the kitchen. This recipe is meant to be easy, delicious, and totally satisfying. Try it tonight, and let me know what you think!
