If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that feels like restaurant food but is easy enough to make at home, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the one to try. Juicy, golden chicken is sliced and served over tender spaghetti coated in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce.
The sauce is creamy, savory, slightly smoky, and packed with flavor. The crispy seasoned chicken on top makes every bite extra delicious. It’s a comforting family dinner that comes together in one pan and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This pasta has everything you want in a comforting meal: tender chicken, creamy sauce, plenty of seasoning, and perfectly coated noodles. The Cajun seasoning gives the sauce a warm kick without making it overwhelmingly spicy, while a little Parmesan adds richness and helps create that silky texture.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. Season the chicken.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press the seasoning gently into the chicken so it sticks well.
3. Cook the chicken.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until deeply golden on the outside and cooked through. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the center.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Make the creamy sauce.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Add the Parmesan.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Toss in the pasta.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your favorite consistency.
7. Slice and serve.
Slice the rested chicken into strips and arrange it over the creamy pasta. Spoon some extra sauce over the chicken and finish with fresh parsley and a little Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken. Letting it rest before slicing helps keep it juicy.
- Reserve some pasta water. It is perfect for loosening the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning depending on how spicy your seasoning blend is.
- For extra flavor, cook everything in the same skillet so the sauce picks up the browned bits from the chicken.
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta is filling enough to serve on its own, but it’s also delicious with warm garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or bow-tie pasta all work well. Choose a shape that can hold plenty of the creamy sauce.
Is Cajun Chicken Pasta spicy?
It can be mildly spicy depending on the Cajun seasoning you use. For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and leave out the red pepper flakes.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half can be used, although the sauce will be slightly lighter and less rich than when made with heavy cream.
How do I reheat creamy pasta?
Reheat it gently in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes are all delicious additions to this pasta.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
<h2 style="margin-top:0;">Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta</h2>
<p>
<strong>Prep Time:</strong> 15 minutes<br>
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 25 minutes<br>
<strong>Total Time:</strong> 40 minutes<br>
<strong>Servings:</strong> 4
</p>
<h3>Ingredients</h3>
<ul>
<li>2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts</li>
<li>12 ounces spaghetti or linguine</li>
<li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>2 tablespoons butter</li>
<li>2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided</li>
<li>1 teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li>3 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>1/2 cup chicken broth</li>
<li>1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.</li>
<li>Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.</li>
<li>Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.</li>
<li>Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest before slicing.</li>
<li>Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.</li>
<li>Add chicken broth, heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.</li>
<li>Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.</li>
<li>Add the cooked pasta and toss until completely coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed.</li>
<li>Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.</li>
<li>Serve immediately while warm and creamy.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Notes</h3>
<p>For the best texture, serve this pasta immediately. If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of warm pasta water or chicken broth before serving.</p>
