Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta perfectly blends Cajun and Italian cuisines into one satisfying dish. The recipe starts with chicken seasoned with a robust blend of Cajun spices, which is then combined with pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. What makes this dish special is its balance of flavors - the warmth of Cajun seasonings is tempered by the creamy sauce, while the garlic and Parmesan add depth. It's a perfect example of fusion cooking that creates something new while honoring both culinary traditions. Quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for company, this pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:35:57 GMT
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines bold Southern spices with Italian comfort in a dish that's both elegant and satisfying. This restaurant-worthy pasta features tender chicken pieces seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, all tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand. The result is a harmonious blend of heat, cream, and savory flavors that makes any dinner feel special.

After serving this at a dinner party, my guest who lived in New Orleans said it reminded her of her favorite restaurant there. The empty plates and requests for seconds proved its authentic appeal.

Essential Elements

  • Quality pasta: Choose penne or fettuccine for best sauce coating
  • Fresh chicken: Cut uniformly for even cooking
  • Cajun seasoning: Creates signature flavor profile
  • Heavy cream: Essential for luxurious sauce
  • Fresh garlic: Provides aromatic base
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and richness
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens final presentation
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Creating Perfect Pasta

Chicken Preparation:
Season meat thoroughly with spices. Cook until golden but not overdone to maintain juiciness.
Sauce Building:
Create silky sauce gradually, allowing cream to reduce properly. Watch for perfect coating consistency.
Pasta Perfection:
Cook pasta just until al dente, reserving water for sauce adjustment.
Final Assembly:
Combine elements carefully, allowing flavors to meld while maintaining proper temperature.

My grandmother always said the secret to perfect pasta was in the timing. This recipe proves her right - each element comes together at just the right moment.

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside garlic bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette provides fresh contrast. For special occasions, start with bruschetta or antipasto.

Creative Variations

Experiment with adding shrimp for a surf-and-turf version, or incorporate colorful bell peppers and mushrooms for extra vegetables. Try different pasta shapes or make it gluten-free with alternative noodles.

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Storage Success

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore the sauce's silky texture.

After perfecting this recipe through countless dinner parties, I've found that success lies in the details - the proper seasoning of the chicken, the careful building of the sauce, and the perfect timing of combining all elements. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked love.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste. Start with less and add more as needed.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the best texture, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch, though the sauce won't be as rich.
→ Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any medium-sized pasta works well. Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or fusilli are all good options that hold the sauce well.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to revive the sauce.
→ Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp works great in this recipe. Cook them just until pink to avoid overcooking, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A flavorful fusion pasta dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with a creamy Parmesan sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Cajun-Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For the Pasta

07 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
08 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
09 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 1 cup heavy cream
11 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 1/2 cup chicken broth
13 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
14 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For Garnish

16 Fresh parsley, chopped
17 Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 02

Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 04

Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 05

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. Can adjust Cajun seasoning to taste
  2. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
  3. Best served immediately while hot
  4. Pairs well with garlic bread or green salad

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 32 g