If you have been searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that is bursting with bold flavors yet super easy to prepare, you have just found it with this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender, spiced chicken slices enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Each bite offers a delightful balance of creaminess and Cajun zest, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple and accessible is what makes this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe so special. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make the final dish irresistible.
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced: Provides tender protein that absorbs the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a golden perfection, adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Brings the signature bold and spicy kick that’s essential to the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy base that makes this pasta so comforting and indulgent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, balancing the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty flavor with a hint of saltiness that enhances the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Elevates all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the instructions on the package until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to perfectly complement the rich sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside to keep it ready for combining later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning to infuse them with that signature Southern flair. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust on both sides, sealing in those spicy flavors. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside for the next step.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any tasty browned bits left behind. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly and becomes delightfully luscious.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked penne pasta and seasoned chicken slices back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to ensure every piece of pasta and chicken is luxuriously coated in that flavorful sauce. This step is where all the wonderful flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Serve the Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe piping hot for the best experience—it’s truly comfort food elevated with a kick!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions can add a lovely fresh contrast and a pop of color that brightens up the plate. Grated extra Parmesan on top never goes amiss if you want to double down on the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual ramekins and broil the top lightly with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden crust. Alternatively, garnish with roasted red peppers or a handful of sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making the next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for longer storage—just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal freshness and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to bring the dish back to its creamy perfection without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or even rotini work wonderfully and can add a new texture dimension.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in the pasta?
The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate spicy kick that can be adjusted easily by using more or less seasoning to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want it hotter.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is perfect for a weeknight since it comes together in about 25 minutes, requiring minimal prep and cooking time without compromising flavor.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try using half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour as a lighter alternative, but the sauce may not be as thick or rich, which is part of what makes this dish so indulgent.
What can I do if I don’t have Cajun seasoning at home?
No worries! You can easily make a quick Cajun spice mix using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper for that authentic flavor.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels special but is incredibly simple to make. It’s all about bold flavors, creamy textures, and the joy of sharing great food with loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken with al dente penne pasta tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the smoothness of cream and cheese for an indulgent yet approachable meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts evenly with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning to ensure both sides become golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to combine all ingredients well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta and the cooked Cajun chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce.
- For extra veggies, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach along with the chicken.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother melting.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but sauce may be less rich.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent overcooking during mixing with sauce.
