Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and comforting one-pot recipe featuring tender chicken breasts, smoky Cajun seasoning, and a velvety cream sauce that clings to pasta. Balanced with Parmesan and a touch of spice, it’s the perfect 30-minute dinner that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1 lb)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

Red pepper flakes
Fresh lemon juice
Sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms
Shrimp (as a chicken substitute)

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Instructions

Cook chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165 °F). Remove, rest, then slice.
Boil pasta: Cook pasta in salted water per package directions (10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, sauté 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
Simmer & thicken: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish: Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Toss pasta in the sauce, then top with sliced chicken. Simmer 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve: Garnish with parsley, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference.

Let chicken sear without moving for best crust.

Penne holds sauce well, while fettuccine is great for creaminess.

A squeeze of lemon balances richness.

Leftovers reheat best with a splash of broth or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot / Skillet
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern