Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Spicy Comfort Food Recipe
Looking for a creamy pasta dish with a kick? This cajun chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken breast with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, spicy cream sauce.
The bold flavors of Louisiana-style cooking meet Italian comfort food in this satisfying one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
What Makes Cajun Chicken Pasta Special
Cajun cuisine brings together French, Spanish, and African cooking traditions with bold spices and robust flavors. This pasta dish captures the essence of New Orleans cooking with its signature cajun seasoning blend featuring paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
The combination of blackened chicken and alfredo-style sauce creates a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Unlike traditional Italian pasta dishes, this recipe adds a Southern twist that makes it stand out on any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken strips generously with cajun seasoning, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken develops a nice blackened exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, add butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and toss everything together.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta
Getting the Right Spice Level
The beauty of this spicy pasta recipe lies in customizing the heat to your preference. Start with less cayenne pepper and add more gradually. Remember that the cajun seasoning already contains spices, so taste as you go.
Choosing the Right Pasta Shape
While penne pasta works wonderfully, other shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or bow-tie pasta also pair well with this creamy sauce. The key is choosing a pasta that can hold the sauce effectively.
Making Homemade Cajun Seasoning
For the best flavor, consider making your own cajun spice blend:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
- Cajun shrimp pasta: Replace chicken with large shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side
- Cajun sausage pasta: Use sliced andouille sausage for an authentic Louisiana flavor
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini
Lighter Version
For a healthier twist, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt mixed with a little pasta water. You can also add extra vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cajun chicken pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture. Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make a great lunch option. The flavors actually develop more after sitting overnight, making the next day’s meal even more flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make cajun chicken pasta ahead of time?
While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the components separately. Cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator, then make the sauce and combine everything when ready to serve. The pasta should be cooked fresh for the best texture.
What can I serve with cajun chicken pasta?
This hearty pasta dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A crisp white wine or cold beer complements the spicy flavors nicely.
How spicy is cajun chicken pasta?
The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and cajun seasoning used. This recipe creates a medium heat level that most people find enjoyable. You can always reduce the spices for a milder version or increase them for more heat.
Can I freeze cajun chicken pasta?
Cream-based pasta dishes don’t freeze well as the sauce tends to separate when thawed. It’s better to enjoy this dish fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a few days rather than freezing.
What type of chicken works best?
Boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs both work well. Thighs will be more tender and flavorful, while breasts are leaner. Cut the chicken into uniform strips or bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring blackened chicken, tender penne, and a rich Cajun cream sauce. Bold Louisiana flavors meet Italian comfort for a satisfying 30-minute dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Homemade Cajun Seasoning (if making your own):
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, coating evenly.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until blackened on the outside and cooked through (165°F). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic, sliced bell pepper, and onion; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth.
- Add paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper; simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta; toss to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Heat Level: Start with less cayenne and adjust to taste; Cajun seasoning already adds spice.
- Pasta Shapes: Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or bow-tie all work well and hold the sauce.
- Chicken Options: Boneless chicken thighs can be used for extra tenderness and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 779Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 198mgSodium: 2820mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 48g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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