Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creamy Cajun chicken pasta is the kind of comfort food that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. With tender chicken, a rich and slightly spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is full of bold flavor without being overly complicated.
As a busy mom, I love meals that come together quickly while still feeling special. This Cajun chicken pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or when you want to serve something comforting that everyone at the table will enjoy. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat, while the creamy sauce balances everything out.
One of the best parts about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice lovers, this dish can easily be adapted to fit your family’s tastes.
Below, you’ll find tips, substitutions, and storage suggestions to help you make this creamy Cajun chicken pasta turn out perfectly every time.
Why These Ingredients Work
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the Cajun seasoning well.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds bold flavor and gentle heat. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well to hold the sauce.
- Cream or milk: Creates a rich, smooth sauce.
- Garlic & onion: Adds depth and balance to the spice.
- Parmesan cheese: Enhances the creaminess and adds savory flavor.
You can easily add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the diced onion. Sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water and a small amount of Knorr Chicken Flavor Seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer.
- Add the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over the pasta. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Season the chicken well. Cajun seasoning is the main flavor, so don’t skimp.
- Cook pasta al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce.
- Control the spice level. Use less Cajun seasoning or add cream to mellow the heat.
- Make it lighter. Use milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
- Add vegetables. Bell peppers or spinach pair especially well with Cajun flavors.
This dish works well as a one-pan meal with just a simple side salad or garlic bread.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cream-based sauces may separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cajun chicken pasta ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well the next day.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, shrimp or sausage are great alternatives.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
This pasta recipe was so flavorful and a house favorite! I’ll be adding this to my rotation of recipes.