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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta combines tender chicken with al dente pasta in a rich, spicy cream sauce. Ready in 40 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning start with 1 tablespoon for mild heat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter unsalted preferred
  • 1 bell pepper any color, diced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Start heating a large pot of salted water for pasta. While it comes to a boil, prep your other ingredients. Once boiling, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on all sides.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to sizzle. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden brown underneath, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add the bell pepper and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and reduces by about one-third.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. Add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms along with the bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with added liquid to restore sauce consistency.