Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided; 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

If you’re craving a dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together faster than takeout, let me introduce you to Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish is everything you want on a busy weeknight: juicy, pan-seared chicken, pasta cooked to the perfect bite, and a sauce that’s creamy, dreamy, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. It’s comfort food meets bold flavor, and after one forkful, I bet you’ll be adding Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to your regular dinner rotation.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is how each simple ingredient layers in its own magic, bringing taste, color, and texture. Here’s what you’ll want on hand to make this vibrant, crowd-pleasing dinner a total breeze.

Linguine Pasta: This shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but any long pasta works in a pinch.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy slicing and fast cooking; pounding them evenly helps them cook perfectly.
Olive Oil: A dash for searing the chicken and building that golden color and flavor base.
Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness to the sauce and helps sautée the aromatics.
Cajun Seasoning: The flavor backbone—smoky, spicy, and customizable; just be mindful of salt content!
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for a punch of aroma you can’t skip.
Diced Tomatoes: A pop of color and tang to cut through the creaminess and keep things balanced.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret to a velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts in for deep, nutty flavor and extra body in the sauce.
Parsley: Sprinkled over the top for that fresh, vibrant finish and a touch of green.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your linguine and stir now and then to keep it from sticking. Cook until perfectly al dente—just the right amount of bite—then scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. Cover your pasta to keep it warm while you work on the next steps.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly (and quickly!). Generously coat them with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear both sides until they’re golden, then reduce the heat and let them gently cook through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice it into thin strips, and cover to keep warm—the aroma at this step is absolutely irresistible!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Base

Using the same skillet (no need to wipe it out; you want all those flavorful bits from the chicken), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté—just 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Then toss in the diced tomatoes and cook for another two minutes. This is where you’ll see color and fragrance come to life.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy whipping cream, sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning, and stir until combined. Add the freshly grated parmesan and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Watch it transform into a luscious, golden sauce, then taste and adjust any seasoning if needed. The cheese and cream marry with that Cajun punch—absolutely divine.

Step 5: Toss It All Together

Add the sliced chicken and your cooked pasta right into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are happily coated and warmed through. If you like your sauce a bit thinner, splash in some of the reserved pasta water. Top with more fresh parmesan and a flurry of parsley for that classic restaurant look—then serve it up while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also brings out the earthiness of the Cajun spices. Extra parmesan on top never hurts, and if you’re feeling bold, a little squeeze of lemon brightens everything up beautifully.

Side Dishes

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon or vinaigrette—something fresh balances the hearty, spicy sauce. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette is always welcome for mopping up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, twirl the pasta high with tongs in individual bowls and arrange the Cajun chicken slices on top, finishing with a shower of parmesan and parsley. For family-style, pile everything onto a big platter and let everyone help themselves. You can even serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in small bowls or cups for a fun appetizer at a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, transfer the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making the leftovers something to look forward to for lunch or another quick dinner!

Freezing

While the sauce is at its creamiest fresh, you can freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for future cravings. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture. If using the microwave, do so in short bursts, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating or the chicken from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is delicious with almost any pasta shape—try fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni, depending on what you have in your pantry.

How do I make it less spicy for kids?

Use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild brand. You can always let each person add extra spice at the table, so everyone gets just the right amount of heat.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the cream?

Yes—full-fat coconut milk or a creamy, unsweetened oat milk can work in place of heavy cream. The sauce will still have a beautiful texture and the Cajun flavors will shine through.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent additions and add more color and nutrition to your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?

Use a zip-top bag or wrap the chicken in plastic wrap, then gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin. The goal is an even thickness for quicker, juicier cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a pro with hardly any effort. The spicy, creamy sauce wrapped around every strand of pasta, the juicy chicken, and those sunny pops of tomato—what’s not to love? Give it a try the next time you want a feel-good meal that’s bursting with flavor. I have a feeling it’ll win a place at your table, too!