If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and creamy indulgence, this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. Picture tender chicken pieces perfectly seasoned with a vibrant Cajun spice blend, tossed with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all wrapped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to each piece of al dente penne pasta. It’s a delightful balance of spicy, creamy, and savory that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings a little bit of Louisiana right to your kitchen table, ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe’s incredible taste. Every component plays a special role—from the spices that give the dish its signature punch, to the creamy cheeses that create the irresistibly smooth sauce and the fresh bell peppers adding wonderful texture and color.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Cooked al dente for that ideal bite and texture to carry the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich base to sauté your veggies and chicken, enhancing flavor depth.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the dish.
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced: Offers a crisp, sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- ½ yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced: Balances with mild sweetness and a pop of sunshine-yellow hue.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings in a fragrant punch, amplifying the savory notes.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish with its spicy, smoky, and earthy flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and helps deepen the color of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a subtle heat and pungency.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings a bit of fiery kick to wake up the taste buds.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star protein, tender and perfect to soak up all those bold spices.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every bit of pasta and chicken.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory umami notes.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives the sauce a velvety texture and slight tang.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds salty richness and depth to the sauce.
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that brightens up each bite with a mild oniony crunch.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight firmness when bitten. Drain the pasta and rinse it quickly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Setting this aside ensures it’s ready to soak up all the delicious sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Chicken
Next, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling—that’s your flavor base developing! Add the red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to build layers of vibrant heat and aroma. When the peppers have softened just a bit, it’s time to add the chicken pieces. Cook them thoroughly, letting the spices work their magic and coat every piece evenly. This step is where the dish really starts coming alive.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, creating a rich liquid bed for the cream cheese and Parmesan. Add both cheeses, stirring continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce thickens into a silky, cheesy blanket. The cheeses meld with the spices, creating a luscious coating that makes this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together gently but thoroughly so every pasta piece is coated with that spicy cream sauce. Let it cook for a minute or two to heat through evenly. Finish it off by stirring in the chopped green onions for a burst of fresh flavor and color right before serving. It’s as simple as that to bring all those incredible tastes together!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a lovely fresh crunch and a mild zest that cuts through the creamy richness perfectly. For an extra touch, you can add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few sprigs of fresh parsley to brighten the plate.
Side Dishes
To complement this flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce. For vegetables, steamed broccoli or sautéed asparagus offer a nice light counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this dish in a large, rustic bowl for a cozy family-style meal, or for a dinner party, plate individual servings elegantly with a sprinkle of paprika on top for added pop. You can also serve the pasta over a bed of wilted spinach or alongside grilled corn for a fun twist that keeps things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Since cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, gently reheat and stir to bring it back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
Reheating is best done on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This helps maintain the velvety texture while warming the chicken and pasta evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching the sauce, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work wonderfully with this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
The level of spice can be adjusted by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. This recipe strikes a nice balance of warmth and flavor without being overwhelmingly hot, but feel free to tweak it to your heat preference.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or even a bit of Greek yogurt for a lighter creaminess, though it will slightly change the texture and flavor profile.
What type of chicken cut is best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender. However, chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting feeling of a bowl of creamy, spicy, and flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe hot from your own kitchen. It’s a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels like a special occasion every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone at the table will ask for again and again!
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. Featuring a blend of aromatic spices and creamy cheeses, this pasta recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent. Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the bell peppers have softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook thoroughly until the chicken is no longer pink inside and is cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the softened cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted fully and the sauce has thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce. Continue cooking until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the Cajun Chicken Pasta hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- To reduce calories, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
