Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce to create a mouthwatering meal. With its perfect balance of spice and creaminess, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta delivers bold flavors with just the right amount of heat. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick, while the creamy sauce brings richness and depth to the dish. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, sliced
8 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to restore the creaminess. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally to avoid overheating and keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, spaghetti, or rigatoni if you prefer.

2. Can I make this dish without chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian option.

3. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, if you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dish.

4. Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a low-fat version of cream, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy. For a lighter option, you can substitute with milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and assemble it just before serving.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

7. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, store-bought Cajun seasoning is a great time-saver! Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed since the salt content can vary.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, and check that the Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten-free.

9. Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

You can use other cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a similar flavor, or try a blend of Italian cheeses for extra richness.

10. How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for an extra few minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a little more Parmesan or a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously bold and creamy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and a rich creamy sauce makes this recipe a winner. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it a go-to for busy nights when you crave something satisfying.

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Print Recipe

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, smoky Cajun seasoning, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is quick, satisfying, and full of bold, spicy flavors your whole family will love.

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, sliced

8 oz penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Notes

Pasta options: You can use fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti if you prefer a different pasta shape.
Protein swaps: This dish can be made with shrimp, sausage, or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian option.
Spicy version: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to ramp up the spice level.
Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free cream alternative and dairy-free cheese to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Thicker sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few extra minutes or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Diet: Gluten Free