Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; Salt, for water; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup spinach, fresh; Salt and pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Hearty Favorites

I absolutely love making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta on busy weeknights. It comes together in just about 30 minutes, and the combination of flavors always impresses my family. The spice of the Cajun seasoning paired with the smooth creaminess of the sauce creates an irresistible dish that’s hearty and satisfying. All you need is some chicken, pasta, and basic ingredients from your pantry to whip up this comforting meal that will make everyone ask for seconds!

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:12:48.525Z

I remember the first time I tried making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta; I was hesitant about balancing the spices and cream. The result was mind-blowing! The seasoning mix brought bold flavors to the dish, while the cream made it rich and comforting. Using fresh chicken breast ensures that the meat stays tender and juicy throughout the cooking process, which is crucial for a dish like this.

A tip I’ve learned is to let the pasta cook slightly al dente before combining it with the sauce. This technique not only enhances the texture but also allows the pasta to absorb more of that delicious Cajun sauce, creating a cohesive and flavorful meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at pasta the same way again!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, bold flavors that bring a kick to your dinner table
Creamy texture that envelopes your taste buds
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights

Pasta Selection and Cooking Tips

Choosing the right type of pasta can significantly enhance your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta experience. While fettuccine and penne are both excellent choices, I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce. When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente texture, which means it should still have a slight bite. Be sure to taste the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate to ensure perfect doneness.

Don’t forget to season your boiling water with salt generously! This is crucial as it infuses the pasta with flavor right from the start. If uncertain about how much to add, the water should taste like the sea. Also, setting aside a cup of pasta water before draining is a game-changer; this starchy liquid can transform your sauce, helping to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

Perfecting the Chicken and Sauce

To get that coveted golden-brown chicken, ensure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the diced chicken. The olive oil should shimmer but not smoke—around medium heat works best. If the chicken sticks to the surface, it’s a sign to let it cook a bit longer. Once it's browned, don’t rush to stir; let it sit undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop that nice crust.

When making the sauce, adding the minced garlic after the chicken browns is important as it allows the garlic to become fragrant without burning. Keep an eye on the heavy cream—when it just starts to bubble, it’s time to add the broth. This simmer will create a luscious velvety sauce, so stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

When mixing in the cooked pasta and fresh ingredients, be gentle to maintain the integrity of the cherry tomatoes and spinach. The heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach just perfectly; you want it to retain a vibrant color. If you find the mixture too thick while combining, add a splash of the reserved pasta water incrementally until you reach the desired creaminess.

For serving, I recommend plating the pasta and finishing it with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added salty, nutty flavor. A few additional dashes of Cajun seasoning on top can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding cooked shrimp or sausage to the mix for variations that complement the original flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Salt, for water

For the Sauce

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach, fresh
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Enjoy your dish!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and spinach to the sauce. Toss everything together and add reserved pasta water as needed until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning if desired.

Bon Appétit!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavors even more, consider marinating the chicken in Cajun spices for a few hours before cooking. This will infuse the meat with more depth and make it even more delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is flexible with ingredients, making it adaptable to what you have on hand. For the chicken, turkey breast or even firm tofu can serve as excellent substitutes, particularly if you are looking to lower calories or cater to dietary preferences. Ensure you still season these protein alternatives well with Cajun seasoning for that distinctive kick.

If you want to lighten up the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for the sauce. It will still provide a creamy texture but with less richness, and if opting for a dairy-free version, coconut cream works as a great alternative while adding a subtle sweetness that complements the spices.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for meal prep. Once cooled, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or water to regain the creaminess that may have thickened during storage.

For longer storage, this dish freezes well, too! Just make sure to separate portions in freezer-safe containers. To reheat from frozen, it’s best to allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then gently heat it up in a pan over low heat. Keep stirring and add extra liquid as needed to bring the dish back to its creamy, delicious state.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste preferences! Adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional profile. Sauté them with the chicken for a more colorful presentation and added texture.

Another delightful spin on this recipe is to incorporate different types of cheese, such as smoked Gouda or pepper jack, to give the sauce a unique twist. These variations can bring a new depth of flavor while still keeping the essence of the original Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine, rotini, or spaghetti.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted by using more or less Cajun seasoning according to your taste preferences.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the dish.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.