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A close-up shot of a pan of creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and shredded cheese.

Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this rich and spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. A flavorful weeknight meal that's sure to impress.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • to taste Salt for pasta water
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning additional
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Chop onion and bell peppers, and mince garlic.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Cook the Chicken
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet (add a splash of olive oil if needed). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
  3. Stir in the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or a combination of both. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.