How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta – Easy 20-Minute Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to spice up your weeknight dinner routine with a dish that’s as flavorful as it is quick to make? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing my favorite Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe, a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and downright delicious. This easy pasta recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to for quick family dinners or 30-minute meals that still feel gourmet. So grab your apron, let’s dive in, and make this Cajun Chicken Pasta together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect balance of spicy and creamy for a gourmet comfort food vibe
• Ready in just 20 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinner ideas
• Customizable to suit your spice level
• Packed with protein and flavor for a satisfying meal
• Uses simple, accessible ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe:

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g), cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (15 g)
• 8 oz pasta (225 g), such as penne or fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
• 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (5 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (5 g)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to create this mouthwatering Cajun Chicken Pasta!

1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken strips and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes), then set aside.
3. Sauté sliced red bell pepper in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Cook pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
6. Add the chicken back to the pan, mix with the sauce, then combine with the cooked pasta.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until well integrated and the pasta is fully coated.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to elevate your Cajun Chicken Pasta game:

• For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
• Customize the veggies—add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is best for this dish.

How to Serve

This creamy garlic pasta is a standout on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Garlic bread for a classic combo
• A fresh green salad for a lighter contrast
• Roasted vegetables for added color and texture

Make Ahead and Storage

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time:

• Cook the pasta and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

And there you have it—my go-to Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners or easy pasta recipes that still feel special. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves gourmet comfort food. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!

Cajun Chicken Pasta

A spicy and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, vegetables, and Cajun seasoning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 620 kcal

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 2 breasts chicken breasts about 1 lb or 450 g, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 8 oz pasta such as penne or fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked (7-8 minutes), then set aside.
• Sauté sliced red bell pepper in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
• Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
• Add the chicken back into the pan, mix with the sauce, and combine with cooked pasta. Stir until well combined.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until well integrated. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For an extra kick, add more Cajun seasoning or include diced jalapeños. Customize with additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

Keyword chicken