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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Sarah
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is bold, cozy, and perfectly balanced. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky cream sauce come together in about 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality dinner at home. It’s flavorful without being overpowering, creamy without feeling heavy, and easy enough for busy weeknights—yet impressive enough for guests.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or rotini
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Seasonings & Flavor Base
  • 1½ –2 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pantry Staples
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter optional
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Pre-Cooking Prep
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Mince garlic and set aside.
  • Cooking Method
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter if using, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  • Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  • Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat.
  • Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Toss until evenly coated.
  • Doneness & Texture Check
  • Sauce should be creamy and cling to the pasta
  • Chicken should be juicy and tender
  • Pasta should hold its shape, not mushy
  • Resting & Final Touches
  • Remove from heat and rest 2 minutes
  • Taste and adjust seasoning
  • Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes

Notes

  • Cajun seasoning intensifies as it cooks—start lighter and adjust at the end.
  • Keep heat moderate once cream is added to prevent separation.
  • Pasta water helps emulsify and smooth the sauce.