Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

By Lily | Last modified on Feb 1, 2026

Featured in: Dinners

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta offers a delightful blend of bold spices and rich creaminess that brings comfort and excitement to any dinner table. Tender chicken breasts are infused with a robust Cajun seasoning, then sautéed to a golden brown, releasing a smoky aroma that invites you to savor every bite.

The pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and perfectly balanced Cajun spices, enhanced by the smoky depth of paprika and a subtle cayenne kick. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish promises indulgence with a touch of Southern flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Cajun spices infuse every bite with a flavorful, smoky heat.
Rich, creamy sauce perfectly balances spice and indulgence.
Easy to make in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile enough to customize with shrimp or vegetables.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these breasts absorb Cajun spices beautifully for juicy, flavorful chicken.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A mild-flavored oil that helps evenly sear the chicken to a golden crust.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The essential spice mix giving this dish its signature bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti): Pasta shapes that hold creamy sauces well, offering a satisfying texture contrast.
Salt: Added to boiling water to season the pasta from within, enhancing every bite.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and creates the perfect base for the creamy sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic providing aromatic depth and a subtle pungency to the sauce.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Intensifies the sauce’s bold Southern character for a full-flavored experience.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky, slightly sweet note to complement the Cajun spices.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a velvety, luxurious texture to balance the heat with richness.
½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and thins the sauce slightly for smooth consistency.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty umami depth that melts perfectly into the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish to brighten the final dish visually and flavor-wise.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. This step ensures every bite of chicken is infused with that bold Cajun flavor right from the start.
Cook the Chicken to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). This creates a flavorful crust and juicy interior. Set aside to rest before slicing to lock in juices.
Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
Create the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic but not browned. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting the spices bloom in the melted butter for about a minute to deepen their flavor.
Combine Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to incorporate the spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly into a smooth sauce that beautifully coats the pasta.
Enhance with Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt fully into the sauce. This addition brings a rich, nutty depth and helps create a luscious, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for balance.
Toss Pasta and Chicken Together: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Finally, fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish for bursts of flavor in each bite.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Optionally, add more Parmesan for extra cheesiness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

You Must Know

Using freshly made Cajun seasoning enhances the flavor complexity over store-bought options.
Resting the chicken after cooking helps it remain juicy and tender when sliced.
Reserve pasta water is a secret to making creamy sauces silkier and better coated on pasta.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. A glass of chilled white wine complements the smoky spices perfectly.

Professional Tips

For added texture, sauté bell peppers or mushrooms with the garlic for a veggie boost.
Swap chicken for shrimp for a quick seafood variation that cooks even faster.
Adjust cayenne pepper amount in the Cajun seasoning to tailor the spice level to your preference.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?: Yes, penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best, but any pasta you prefer will do. Just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
How spicy is this dish?: The Cajun seasoning provides moderate heat; adjust the seasoning amount or add red pepper flakes for desired spice levels.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately and combine with the sauce just before serving to maintain freshness.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?: Regular paprika or a tiny pinch of chipotle powder can substitute to keep the smoky flavor intact.
How do I make homemade Cajun seasoning?: Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper for a quick homemade blend.
Can I freeze this pasta?: It’s best enjoyed fresh; freezing may alter the creamy sauce texture. If needed, freeze without sauce and add sauce fresh after reheating.