I still remember the first time I made Cajun Chicken Pasta and realized it could be both nourishing and totally satisfying. It was a cozy Thursday evening, and I was craving something with a little kick but without the fuss of complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. The idea of a spicy chicken pasta recipe that felt balanced and real-life friendly stuck with me—and it still does whenever I want a comforting meal with a little edge.
This Cajun Chicken Pasta quickly became one of those dishes where the flavors pop but the prep doesn’t drain me. It’s the kind of recipe that welcomes all kinds of variations and swaps, which is so important when life is busy and ingredients aren’t always perfect. Plus, cooking with Cajun seasoning for chicken gave me that flavorful punch without having to reach for a long list of spices. What surprised me most was how creamy Cajun pasta could feel indulgent and nourishing at the same time—there’s no stress or guilt here, just real food that tastes great.
I love that this dish fits into real life, whether you’re feeding family, cooking for friends, or just winding down after a busy day. It doesn’t demand perfection, only a little bit of love and patience. And for anyone who’s juggling meals and wants something both dependable and delicious, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy win. If you’re in the mood to try it alongside some inspiring videos, I’ve found neat ideas over at Budget Bytes’ creamy Cajun chicken pasta with video and Key to My Lime’s version that’s just as creamy and inviting.
Honestly, cooking this feels like a small celebration of balancing flavors and life. So, if you’re here looking for a simple, feel-good meal that fits into your kitchen routine without any pressure, let’s dive in together and make Cajun Chicken Pasta a comforting classic in your home too.
What You’ll Need:

Here’s my intentionally simple Cajun Chicken Pasta ingredient list—because good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta you love)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (medium-sized, cut into strips)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning for chicken (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin (you can swap with green or yellow)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (white or yellow is fine)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best if you have it)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that creamy Cajun pasta feel)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water if you’re keeping it simple)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (taste and adjust)
- Salt and black pepper, to your liking
- Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
No stress if you don’t have red bell pepper—I often swap with zucchini or even a handful of spinach to sneak extra greens into this Cajun chicken pasta. The Cajun seasoning for chicken makes a huge difference here, and I keep mine simple with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. You can find most of these in the spice aisle or even at your local farmers’ market for fresh produce.
I like to prep veggies while the pasta cooks, which saves time on busy nights. This Cajun Chicken Pasta keeps costs low by sticking to pantry basics and a few fresh items that you can use in many other dishes.
If you’re cooking for a family or want leftovers, this pasta stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the sauce separate if you want to make sure it tastes just as creamy when reheated. Personally, I love adding extra Cajun seasoning on top before serving, especially for those who like a little more heat.
Let’s Make It Together!
Ready to cook this rewarding Cajun Chicken Pasta? It usually takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish in my kitchen. Let’s go step-by-step—like we’re side by side in the kitchen.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Perfect time to set the table or prep a quick side salad.
- Prep the chicken: While pasta cooks, toss the chicken strips in the Cajun seasoning for chicken until well coated. Be generous but not overpowering; you can always add more seasoning later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook about 4-5 minutes per side until nicely blackened and cooked through (hello, blackened chicken pasta!). Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
- Sauté veggies: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Your kitchen should smell wonderful by now!
- Make the Cajun cream sauce pasta: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor. Let it simmer gently for five minutes, thickening slightly.
- Add cheese and pasta: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Toss in the cooked pasta and chicken strips. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time for a luscious, creamy Cajun pasta texture.
- Final taste test: Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t worry if your Cajun Chicken Pasta looks a bit saucier than you expected—that cream and spice balance out perfectly after a minute or two.
Here’s where I used to overcomplicate my Cajun Chicken Pasta—thinking I needed extra herbs or special ingredients—but simpler truly wins here. While it simmers, play some music or chat with whoever you’re sharing this with—cooking should feel like a break, not a chore.
If you want even more versions to try, Sip and Feast offers a creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe that’s light and creamy, too.
How I Love to Serve This!
This Cajun Chicken Pasta feels like a complete meal on its own—rich, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy—but here’s how I like to make it even better.
I often add a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette on the side to contrast the creaminess. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus make great veggie companions too—easy to prep while your Cajun cream sauce pasta is simmering.
It’s perfect for easy weeknights when you want nourishing but fuss-free food, and surprisingly great for relaxed weekends when friends drop by unexpectedly. I’ve served this blackened chicken pasta at casual dinners, and everyone loves the bold flavor without feeling weighed down.
For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh note. Leftovers? They’re fantastic tossed with a little extra broth or cream when reheated.
Seasonally, I’ve swapped the red pepper for sautéed summer squash, which adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken pasta recipe. Sometimes I even add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten those flavors.
If you want inspiration for more comforting dishes, check out my Chicken and Dumplings recipe for some hearty comfort food love.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. I love making this dish a day ahead and storing it in the fridge. Keep the sauce and pasta separate if you can, to keep the creamy Cajun pasta perfectly fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this Cajun Chicken Pasta?
No worries! Missing bell peppers? Swap with spinach or zucchini. No heavy cream? Use coconut milk or a blend of milk and cream cheese for richness. I often adjust the Cajun seasoning for chicken depending on what I have—more paprika, less cayenne.
How can I adjust the flavor of this Cajun Chicken Pasta to my taste?
If you like it less spicy, reduce the cayenne or add more cream. More heat? Sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes at the end. Taste as you go—that’s the best kitchen tip I have.
Is this recipe expensive to make?
Not at all. Using staples like pasta, chicken breasts, and pantry spices keeps this Cajun Chicken Pasta budget-friendly. Fresh vegetables are a bonus but easy to swap for frozen options if needed.
Can I make this with a different type of protein?
For sure! Shrimp or tofu work really well with Cajun seasoning for chicken in this pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Does the sauce get too thick when refrigerated?
The creamy Cajun pasta usually thickens a bit in the fridge. Add a little chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
What sides go best with this Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Simple greens and roasted veggies balance the richness. For more ideas, check out Budget Bytes’ creamy Cajun chicken pasta page—they have some great pairing suggestions.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Pasta has found a happy place in my kitchen because it listens to real life—flavorful without fuss, creamy but nourishing, and flexible to whatever’s in the fridge. It’s one of those recipes that feels like an honest friend on a tough day or a reliable pick for a lively dinner.
- Don’t skimp on the Cajun seasoning for chicken; it’s the flavor driver.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce texture—it’s a game-changer for creamy Cajun pasta.
- Prep veggies while pasta cooks to save time and keep the kitchen flowing.
I’ve tried variations swapping cream for Greek yogurt, using turkey instead of chicken, and even adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. But I come back most often to the classic creamy Cajun pasta with blackened chicken because it’s total comfort food.
I hope this inspires you to make this Cajun Chicken Pasta your own. Cooking should feel good and doable, and if this simple, spicy chicken pasta recipe can add a little warmth to your table, I’m all for it.
For more easy recipes that balance comfort and nourishment, check out my cozy Chicken and Dumplings. And if you want to see different takes on creamy Cajun chicken pasta, Budget Bytes, Key to My Lime, and Sip and Feast have beautiful versions to explore.

Here’s to more nourishing meals without stress. You’ve got this—happy cooking!
Cajun Chicken Pasta
A creamy and spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta combining tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with freshly sliced jalapeños on top.

