Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (about 1 lb total); 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces penne pasta (or another short pasta); Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

This recipe is a winner for many reasons:

It’s ready in roughly 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
The Cajun seasoning brings a flavorful kick that you can adjust to your taste.
The creamy sauce really elevates the dish and turns simple ingredients into something special.
It’s versatile enough to work for a date night or a family meal—you can keep the spice moderate or dial it up.
Few components and one skillet make cleanup easier, so you spend less time washing and more time enjoying.

Ingredients

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

2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (about 1 lb total)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces penne pasta (or another short pasta)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta in well‑salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, but don’t rinse, so the sauce can adhere.
Season the chicken on both sides with the Cajun seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook about 6–7 minutes per side until golden‑brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet, rest a few minutes, then slice into strips.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softening (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook another ~30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens (about 3–4 minutes) until it coats the back of a spoon.
Return the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and the chicken is well‑mixed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately—optionally top with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley for color and flavor.

Servings and timing

Yields: 4 servings
Total time: ~35 minutes (Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~20 minutes)

Variations

Swap the chicken for shrimp (cook toward the end so the shrimp don’t overcook) or sausage for a different protein experience.
Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun‑dried tomatoes when sautéing the peppers.
Use a gluten‑free pasta or whole‑wheat version if preferred.
For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for half‑and‑half—but note the sauce will be a bit thinner.
Adjust the level of spice: use less Cajun seasoning for mild heat, or add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes for more kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth (or milk) to loosen the sauce, giving it that creamy texture again. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers quite tasty.

FAQs

Why did my sauce become grainy?

A sauce can turn grainy if it’s boiled too vigorously or if the cream curdles. To prevent this, simmer gently, keep the heat moderate, and stir continuously after adding the cheese and cream.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — you can prep and cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, refrigerate them separately, and then assemble with the sauce and pasta just before serving to retain freshness.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can mix your own: a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper works fine. Adjust the proportions to match the heat and flavor you prefer.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not ideal because the cream‑based sauce may separate when thawed and reheated. It’s better to store in the refrigerator and consume within a few days.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, farfalle or rigatoni are ideal because the sauce clings well to them. Choose one you have on hand.

How can I reduce the richness of the sauce?

Use half‑and‑half or even a mix of milk and a smaller amount of cream instead of full heavy cream. You might also reduce the cheese slightly. The texture will be lighter but still tasty.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes — use a plant‑based cream alternative (such as oat or soy cream), vegan Parmesan, and swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh or a plant‑based chicken substitute. Adjust seasoning as needed.

My sauce is too thin — what now?

Let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water (a slurry) and stir it into the sauce as it simmers; this will help thicken it faster.

What side dishes pair well with this?

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness well. Garlic bread or crusty bread is also perfect for dipping into the sauce. Steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus are good veggie options.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate by default, thanks to the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer mild, reduce the amount of seasoning or use a mild blend. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a flavorful, satisfying pasta dish that comes together quickly and delivers creamy comfort with a bit of spice, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a strong choice. With minimal fuss and maximum taste, it hits the sweet spot between ease and indulgence. Enjoy making it your own with tweaks and variations—and get ready for second helpings.