This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of spice and comfort. It’s a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that only takes 40 minutes to make!
This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a bold, comforting dish packed with smoky, spicy flavor and creamy richness. Tender, seasoned chicken is seared with a blend of Cajun spices, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a velvety sauce made with garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
I love that this recipe is a delicious one-pot meal that satisfies hungry bellies and keeps dish duty light! For more one-pot wonders, you have to try my Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Noodles, Chicken Stroganoff, and One Pot Chicken Bog.
Table of Contents
Why We Love Cajun Pasta
- Ready in 40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- This dish is a family-friendly meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Leftovers reheat well, making it great for meal prep.
Recipe Ingredients
Seasoning – Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the chicken.
Bell Peppers – I used red bell pepper, but you can swap for green bell pepper, yellow, or a mix for a different flavor and color.
Broth – Use low-sodium chicken broth to build the base of the sauce.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Protein Additions – For a smoky twist, try andouille sausage or shrimp for a seafood vibe, both cooked with spices. Ground turkey is a leaner swap, while crumbled bacon adds crispy richness. Steak strips or pork tenderloin bring hearty, flavorful alternatives.
Homemade Cajun Spice – If you don’t have Cajun spice, mix cayenne pepper, paprika, white pepper, and garlic or onion powder to create your own blend, adjusting for heat and flavor.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, and add olive oil.
Step 2: Season cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add to the pan and brown on all sides.
Step 3: Add bell pepper and onion, sauté for 1 minute, then add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and turn up the heat. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Then, add spinach, milk, and cream cheese. Stir to combine, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
Step 5: Add Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Serve warm.
FAQs
Fresh parsley, oregano, or basil adds a bright, fresh contrast. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Crumbled bacon or sliced green onions work well too.
Yes! Look in your fridge and use up what you have. Some great options include asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli, and zucchini. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference!
Oven roasted asparagus, garlic parmesan artisan bread, or cheesy garlic bread are great options for a complete meal.
Storage Information
You can STORE Cajun Pasta in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To FREEZE, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will last for up to 1-2 months.
Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Then, REHEAT in the microwave or on the stove, adding extra butter if needed to maintain the creamy texture.
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Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts - cut into ½ inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 red bell pepper - diced
- 1 small onion - diced
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 3 1/2 c chicken broth
- 1 lb pasta - rigatoni, farfalle, or penne pasta
- 1 1/2 c fresh spinach - chopped
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 c milk
- 1/3 c Parmesan cheese - grated
Instructions
- Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, and add olive oil.
- Season cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add to the pan and brown on all sides.
- Add bell pepper and onion, sauté for 1 minute, then add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and turn up the heat. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Then, add spinach, milk, and cream cheese. Stir to combine, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
- Add Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Serve warm.
I love Cajun anything! I also love the creaminess. It’s not to spicy or hot too! Just right!!!
Looks amazing! Can’t wait to try this with my friends and family.
Love this! It was so easy to make and had a great amount of spice. The family liked it too, which is always a win!
One pot pastas are my jam! Love how simple they are to throw together and comes out perfectly cooked!
Just the right amount of heat and spice, great recipe! I used shrimp and added them with the spinach and milk step, definitely will make this again.
Great idea! So glad you’ll make it again! Thank you!