Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided; 1 Tbsp salt (for pasta water); 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2/3 cup diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped (to serve)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 41 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavor and creamy indulgence, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. This dish features juicy, spiced chicken breast paired perfectly with tender pasta, all coated in a luscious, garlicky cajun cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it is a quick yet impressive meal that transforms humble ingredients into a comforting and vibrant dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows the ingredients for a pasta dish laid out on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, there is a white plate with two pale pink pieces of raw chicken arranged flat. Below it, another white plate holds a bunch of uncooked yellow spaghetti strands spread out horizontally. To the right, a large clear glass bowl holds a smooth white liquid, likely cream. Above that, two small clear bowls sit side by side; one contains diced red tomatoes while the other holds a light yellow powder, probably grated cheese. Below them are three more small clear bowls: one with finely minced pale yellow garlic, one with a small square of light yellow butter, and one filled with a reddish-brown seasoning powder. The items are neatly organized with no overlapping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward nailing this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each element, from the spices to the cream, plays a vital role in shaping the final flavor, texture, and color of this beloved dish.

8 oz linguine pasta: The perfect pasta choice as its flat strands hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, these provide the hearty protein base.
2 tsp olive oil: For searing chicken to a flavorful golden crust.
2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and enhances the sauce’s smooth texture.
1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish, this seasoning packs smoky, spicy, and aromatic heat.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant punch that brightens the sauce.
2/3 cup diced tomatoes: Adds a hint of acidity and natural sweetness to balance the creaminess.
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base for the sauce.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: For a cheesy, savory depth that complements the cajun spice.
2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped: Fresh parsley adds color and a refreshing herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the linguine until it’s al dente ensures tender bites that still have a little bite, perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining – it’s a secret trick for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Flatten your chicken breasts to an even thickness; this helps them cook evenly so you get juicy, tender meat from edge to center. Season generously with your cajun seasoning to infuse every bite with that iconic smoky heat.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear it well on both sides to build a beautiful crust full of flavor. Lower the heat and cook through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F before slicing into thin strips to layer into your pasta.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter and gently sauté garlic until it’s fragrant – this quick step releases incredible aroma. Toss in diced tomatoes and cook them down slightly to soften and concentrate their flavor before the star ingredient: heavy cream, parmesan, and the rest of your cajun seasoning join the party. Let the sauce simmer, thickening to a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Toss to Finish

Return the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the skillet, folding everything together so each strand of pasta is luxuriously coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. Use some reserved pasta water if you want it a little looser. Freshly chop parsley and sprinkle on top along with extra parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white round pan holds a dish with two main layers: on the bottom is a creamy orange sauce that fills the base, on top are two piles of light beige fettuccine noodles with a smooth texture, sprinkled lightly with green herb bits and black pepper. Between the pasta piles is a sliced, grilled chicken arranged in a row, showing dark brown, slightly crispy edges and a white interior, also topped with scattered green herbs. Near the pan, on a white marbled surface, are two slices of light brown bread at the bottom left and a small glass bowl filled with white grated cheese at the top right, some cheese spilled slightly next to the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cream sauce. Sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese for a final cheesy indulgence that melts gently atop the warm pasta.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy cajun chicken pasta with simple sides to round out the meal. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, while garlic bread or a warm baguette is wonderful for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, swirling the creamy sauce artistically with the chicken strips arranged on top. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few chili flakes to elevate the color and hint at the spices within the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to mellow and deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, slightly undercook the pasta and allow everything to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly heat without overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully here, you can swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni. Just be mindful of cooking times so your pasta comes out perfectly al dente.

How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The spice level depends largely on the cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, starting with less and adding more if you want a bolder kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Heavy cream is essential for that rich, velvety texture. For a lighter version, you can try half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and luxurious.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. Cooking the chicken and making the sauce ahead lets you quickly toss everything together, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with guests.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and effortlessly satisfying. Its rich, spicy sauce combined with tender chicken and a hearty pasta base makes for an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. I encourage you to try making it at home – it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need