Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, smoky, and creamy pasta dish ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a Cajun-spiced cream sauce make this the perfect comforting yet exciting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
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12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
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Salt for pasta water
For the Sauce:
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2 Tbsp unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Optional Garnishes & Variations:
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Red pepper flakes
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Fresh lemon juice
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Sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms)
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Shrimp instead of chicken
Instructions
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Remove, rest, and slice.
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Cook pasta in salted water for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
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Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
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Toss pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Fold in sliced chicken.
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Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sauce thickens as it simmers and even more when cooling—add broth or pasta water to adjust.
Double the sauce if you love extra creamy pasta.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
Swap chicken with shrimp or rotisserie chicken for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop / Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun / American