Quick Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up a Quick Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Dinner that’s bursting with flavor! My easy recipe brings spicy, creamy comfort to your table fast.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Cajun Inspired)
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten (if using wheat pasta). Can be made gluten-free with GF pasta.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
03 -
1 red or green bell pepper, diced
→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings
04 -
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
05 -
2-3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
08 -
1 cup chicken broth
09 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
10 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your pasta water boiling – and don't forget to salt it generously, a mistake I still make sometimes! While that's heating, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. I like to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Pat them dry, then toss them with a good amount of Cajun seasoning. You want every piece coated, really get in there with your hands. The smell of the raw chicken mixing with the spices already gets me excited for dinner!
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your seasoned chicken in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan, or it won't get that lovely sear. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. This is where the magic starts to happen, getting those crispy bits! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. You'll want to keep those browned bits in the pan for flavor.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your diced bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the bell pepper softens slightly and the garlic is fragrant – oh, that smell! It just fills the kitchen with warmth. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it's where all the hidden flavors live! Let it simmer for a minute or two.
04 -
Now for the creamy part! Stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. This is where you can adjust the spice level too; if you want more kick, add a tiny pinch more Cajun seasoning. I once added too much here, and my mouth was on fire, so go easy! It should be luscious and smooth.
05 -
Add your cooked pasta and the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are beautifully coated. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it even more irresistible. Give it a good stir, making sure every strand of pasta is covered. Taste it here, and add a little salt or pepper if it needs it. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, pasta flying everywhere!
06 -
Dish out your Quick Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately. I love to garnish it with some fresh parsley for a pop of color, and maybe a little extra Parmesan. The pasta should be tender but still have a bit of bite, the chicken juicy, and the sauce rich, spicy, and oh-so-creamy. It's a comforting bowl that just makes you feel good from the first forkful to the last.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook your pasta, a little al dente is key for this dish.
02 -
This pasta keeps surprisingly well for lunch, just add a splash of milk when reheating.
03 -
No heavy cream? Evaporated milk works, but it's not quite the same lusciousness.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes this Quick Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta look restaurant-worthy!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
large pot for pasta
03 -
whisk
04 -
cutting board
05 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 38g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 35g