Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (One-Pot Favorite!)

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! Packed with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a bold, creamy Cajun sauce, this comforting pasta dish is a weeknight winner that’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe delivers rich taste with minimal effort. You’ll love how easy this is!

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

Juicy Cajun Chicken
The magic starts with two large chicken breasts, sliced thin for quick cooking and coated in a zesty Cajun seasoning blend. Don’t skimp on seasoning here — it’s the key to that bold Southern flavor. I recommend using about two tablespoons, but feel free to adjust depending on how spicy your seasoning is or how much heat you like. Some Cajun blends are saltier than others, so taste and tweak as needed!

Vibrant Bell Peppers & Aromatics
Red and yellow bell peppers bring color and a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the creamy, spicy sauce. Cook them just until tender-crisp to keep a bit of texture. Don’t forget the garlic — it adds depth and warmth that elevates every bite.

Creamy Cajun Sauce
The heart of the dish is the sauce. Heavy cream and chicken broth come together to create a silky base, and grated Parmesan cheese gives it a salty, nutty richness. Simmer it gently — not boiling — to prevent curdling and help the flavors meld beautifully. This sauce clings to the pasta and chicken, making every forkful irresistible.

Perfect Pasta
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine — choose your favorite! Any shape that holds sauce well will do the trick. Cook it just until al dente, then drain and toss it right into the pan with the sauce and chicken. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water — a splash can help thin the sauce if it gets too thick.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken strips with half of the Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through — about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In the same pan, toss in your sliced bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. This step adds layers of flavor and brings a beautiful aroma to your kitchen.

Step 3: Create the Sauce
Turn the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and give it a stir. Let it gently simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally and watch as it transforms into a luscious, spiced sauce.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside, saving about half a cup of pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Stir in the Parmesan and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water until it reaches your ideal consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips and Tricks

Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Searing thin chicken strips makes this dish cook quickly, but keep a close eye on them to avoid drying out. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the skillet to prevent overcooking.

Customize the Spice Level
Not everyone loves a fiery dish. Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and build up the heat slowly. You can also stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice or tone it down by using a mild Cajun blend.

Add Veggie Variety
Want to sneak in more vegetables? This recipe is flexible! Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the bell peppers, and you’ve instantly boosted the nutrition.

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Use Fresh Parmesan
Grating Parmesan straight from the block gives you the best flavor and a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.

One-Pan Convenience
If you want to skip a pot, you can cook the pasta first and reuse the same skillet for the sauce and chicken. Just rinse the pan quickly before sautéing the chicken to avoid sticking or burning.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of cream, milk, or even a bit of water to help loosen it back up.

Freezing Not Recommended
Due to the cream-based sauce, this pasta doesn’t freeze well. The texture can separate and become grainy once thawed and reheated. For the best flavor and consistency, enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days.

Reheating Tips
Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add liquid gradually to keep the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving in large portions — it can overcook the chicken and make the sauce rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and satisfying all on its own, but here are a few sides to round out your meal:

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette is great for mopping up the sauce.
• Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a vibrant, healthy side.

Possible Variations

Make It Vegetarian
Skip the chicken and sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead. The creamy Cajun sauce still delivers tons of flavor without the meat!

Try a Different Protein
Shrimp is an excellent swap for chicken and cooks even faster. Just season with Cajun spice and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque.

Lighten It Up
Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce calories. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still creamy and delicious.

Switch the Pasta
Use gluten-free pasta if needed, or swap in short cuts like rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle to hold even more of that delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is more than just a dinner recipe — it’s a go-to comfort dish you’ll return to again and again. With its rich, spicy cream sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, every bite is a burst of Louisiana-inspired goodness. It’s perfect for impressing guests or cozy nights in, and the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.

Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new favorite pasta recipe. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with bold, creamy flavor — everything you need for a winning weeknight meal. Enjoy!