Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal made with tender chicken, penne pasta, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Cajun cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s creamy, spicy, and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (227 g) penne pasta – holds the creamy sauce perfectly
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast – cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking
- 4 tsp Cajun seasoning – divided between the chicken and sauce for balanced spice
- ½ tsp salt – enhances overall flavor
- ½ tsp black pepper – adds mild heat and depth
- 3 tbsp salted butter – for searing chicken and sautéing vegetables
- ½ yellow onion – diced for sweetness and aroma
- 2 bell peppers – sliced thinly, any color (red, orange, or green)
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream – creates a rich, velvety sauce
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika – adds a smoky, savory note
- ½ tsp dried basil – balances spice with herbal freshness
- ¼ tsp garlic powder – adds mild, savory depth
- ⅓ cup fresh Parmesan cheese – melts into the sauce for a creamy, nutty finish
- Fresh parsley – optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a resealable bag, combine chicken pieces with 3 tsp Cajun seasoning, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Shake until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Add onions and bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, remaining 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan. Add Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta. Stir until everything is evenly coated and cheese melts into the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Adjust spice level by using mild or spicy Cajun seasoning.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Try adding shrimp or sausage for Cajun-style variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 568 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 488 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 174 mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, spicy chicken pasta, Cajun pasta recipe, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan pasta, chicken dinner