Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but recommended); Salt and black pepper to taste; 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta (gluten-free works too); Water, for boiling; Pinch of salt, for pasta water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce); 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning); 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Extra parmesan, for topping; Lemon wedges (for serving)

Description

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, a rich and velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s bold, comforting, and customizable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but recommended)
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta (gluten-free works too)
Water, for boiling
Pinch of salt, for pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra parmesan, for topping
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Chop onion, mince garlic, and slice bell pepper. Grate parmesan. Measure out cream and broth.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add dried thyme and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until sauce begins to thicken. Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature chicken and freshly grated parmesan. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Customize with shrimp, tofu, or extra veggies. Use gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives as needed. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (1 generous bowl)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 900
Fat: 26
Saturated Fat: 13
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 3
Protein: 32

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, spicy chicken pasta, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, skillet pasta, Cajun recipe, quick dinner, family meal