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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Comforting, Spicy, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Pasta: 12 ounces fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni
  • Cajun seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Bell peppers: 2 (any colors), sliced into thin strips
  • Yellow onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Heavy cream: 1.5 cups
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup (low-sodium preferred)
  • Parmesan cheese: 3/4 cup, freshly grated
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon: 1, for finishing (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions: For garnish
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for extra heat

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and slice into thin strips. Toss with 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook 4–6 minutes, stirring once, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining oil and butter to the same skillet. Add peppers and onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly charred at the edges. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Make it creamy: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add the cheese: Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you want more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or an extra shake of Cajun seasoning.
  8. Combine: Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water until glossy and silky.
  9. Finish and serve: Squeeze in a little lemon juice for brightness (optional). Top with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.