Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect balance of bold Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken tossed with pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers rich flavors in every bite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 16 oz. fettuccine, cooked al dente
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Pound the chicken to 1” thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and pepper.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165˚F). Remove to a cutting board, slice, and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Scrape up browned bits for flavor. Add any juices from the chicken plate.
- Bring to a gentle boil. Add parsley and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Season with remaining Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Top with sliced chicken or mix it into the sauce.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
What Makes Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta So Irresistible?
Flavor Fusion
This dish blends smoky Cajun spices with the richness of cream for a bold yet comforting taste.
Comfort in Every Bite
The cream sauce tempers the spice, creating a perfect balance of heat and smoothness.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Heavy Cream
The backbone of the sauce, heavy cream ensures thickness and silkiness.
Cajun Seasoning
A robust mix of paprika, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Cooking the Chicken Perfectly
Season Well
Generously coat with Cajun spices before searing.
Achieve Golden Perfection
Cook until golden brown for a smoky, slightly crisp crust.
Perfecting the Cajun Cream Sauce
Tomato Paste Addition
This adds depth and richness to the cream base.
Parmesan Magic
Fresh Parmesan creates a velvety, cheesy finish.
Pasta Choices for Cajun Recipes
Fettuccine
Wide and flat noodles absorb sauce beautifully.
Penne
Tubular shapes trap creamy Cajun sauce inside.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread
Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Crisp Salad
Fresh greens add a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to restore sauce.
Nutritional Notes
- Calories: ~650 per serving
- Protein: ~38g per serving
- Rich in calcium from Parmesan and cream
Variations
Shrimp Cajun Pasta
Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
Vegetarian Cajun Pasta
Use mushrooms and zucchini instead of chicken.
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Easy Recipe with Bold Flavors
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with fettuccine, seared chicken, and a silky Cajun-spiced cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 16 oz fettuccine, cooked al dente,
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided,
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika,
- Pepper to taste,
- 2 tbsp butter, divided,
- 1 tbsp olive oil,
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced,
- 1 tbsp tomato paste,
- 1 cup chicken broth,
- 2 cups heavy cream,
- 4 tbsp parsley, finely chopped,
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated,
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice,
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Pound the chicken to 1” thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and pepper.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165˚F). Remove to a cutting board, slice, and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Scrape up browned bits for flavor. Add any juices from the chicken plate.
- Bring to a gentle boil. Add parsley and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Season with remaining Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Top with sliced chicken or mix it into the sauce.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
What is the best cream for chicken pasta?
Heavy cream is the best choice because it thickens easily and resists curdling, giving the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
What is Cajun cream sauce made of?
Cajun cream sauce typically includes butter, garlic, tomato paste, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning.
What sauce compliments Cajun chicken?
A creamy Alfredo-style sauce with Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly, balancing spice with richness.
What pasta is best for Cajun pasta?
Fettuccine and penne are ideal, as they hold creamy sauces well and provide excellent texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, satisfying dish that combines Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken into one irresistible meal. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners. Adjust the spice level, experiment with proteins, and savor a plate of pure comfort.
