Cajun Chicken Pasta is a cozy, spicy weeknight favorite that’s creamy, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes. Tender diced chicken and colorful bell peppers swim in a smoky, lightly spicy sauce that clings to penne or rotini for maximum flavor in every bite. If you love rich pasta dinners, try our cheesy chicken pasta for another cozy option.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta
– Big, bold flavor with just one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for a family-friendly kick.
– Ready in about half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
– One-pan comfort that makes cleanup easy and meal prep simple.
– Leftovers reheat well for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.
– If you want a baked twist, check a similar creamy casserole idea like this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake for inspiration.
Ingredients Needed
– Protein
– 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Veggies
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Olive oil for cooking
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions 5 (always use H2 and H3)
1. Heat the pan and cook the chicken.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning; cook until browned.
2. Sauté the vegetables.
Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add the broth and simmer.
Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer to meld flavors.
4. Cook pasta in the sauce with cream.
Add the pasta and heavy cream, stirring to combine; cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
5. Finish and serve.
Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions Cajun Chicken Pasta
– Serve with a simple green salad and a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
– Warm garlic bread or crusty baguette soaks up every last bit of sauce.
– Top with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for freshness.
– Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea for a balanced meal.
– For a heartier plate, serve alongside spicy sausage like in this Cajun sausage pasta variation.
Tips for Success Cajun Chicken Pasta
– Pound or evenly dice the chicken so it cooks through at the same rate.
– Keep heat at medium to avoid scorching the cream; simmer gently.
– Use slightly undercooked pasta when adding to the sauce so it finishes cooking in the pan.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
– Try swapping in rotini and extra garlic for a different texture, or see this cheesy Cajun garlic rotini skillet for ideas.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
– Swap chicken for shrimp or diced smoked sausage for a different protein profile.
– Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.
– For a dairy-free option, use full-flavor coconut milk and omit the heavy cream and Parmesan.
– Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Veggies
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Other
- to taste Olive oil for cooking
- to taste Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning; cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer to meld flavors.
- Add the pasta and heavy cream, stirring to combine; cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
- Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese.
